IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 25:19

First, Paul appears before Festus (1-12). Though two years had passed, the hatred of the Jewish leaders against Paul had not subsided. They hoped to have him sent back to Jerusalem as a political favor and kill him along the way. Instead, Festus invited them to Caesarea to question Paul. As soon as they arrived, they brought many serious charges against Paul but could not prove any of them. When asked to go back to Jerusalem to stand trial, Paul refused. He makes his memorable plea: "I appeal to Caesar!" God would use Paul's plea for His world mission purpose.

Second, Paul before Agrippa (13-27). Festus had surmised that Paul had done nothing deserving of death. Instead, the Jews had many disputes over religion and especially over Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive (19). The focus of Paul's message is the Risen Jesus. Wherever he went he was a witness of Jesus' death and resurrection. Festus knew that it was unreasonable to send a man to Caesar without a clear charge.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a bold witness of Risen Jesus.

One Word: Testify to the Risen Jesus!