The Acts of the Apostles Acts 25 Pauls

The Acts of the Apostles Acts 25 – Paul’s Defense Before Festus in Caesarea Sunday – August 18, 2019 1

Festus speaks to Agrippa about Paul and reviews all that had transpired since he took office. (25: 14 ff) � � � Festus inherited the case of Paul from Felix (25: 14). Festus heard the Jews regarding Paul while in Jerusalem (25: 15). Roman law forbids the sentence of death without the man’s accusers laying the case before his face (25: 16). ◦ Festus, therefore, called the Sanhedrin to Caesarea to make such a face to face accusation against Paul. � � The Jews came and the next day Festus sat on the judgment seat to oversee the trial (25: 17). Festus admitted Paul’s innocence by stating, “they brought no charge of such evil things as I supposed; but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive” (25: 19). cf. 24: 20 -21 Paul had confessed that. 2

� Acts 9: 20 -23, “And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God. And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests. But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him”

� Acts 13: 27 -34, “For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled (them) by condemning (him). And though they found no cause of death (in him), yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead: and he was seen for many days of them that came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses unto the people. And we bring you good tidings of the promise made unto the fathers, that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure (blessings) of David. ” 4

� Acts 17: 32, “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again. ” � Acts 23: 6, “But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. ” � Acts 23: 8, “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. ” 5

� Acts 24: 14 -15, “But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. ” � Acts 24: 20 -21, “Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day. ” � Acts 26: 22 -23, “Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come; how that the Christ must suffer, (and) how that he first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles. ”

Crowning point of evidence! Romans 1: 1 -6, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called (to be) an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared (to be) the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; (even) Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake; among whom are ye also called (to be) Jesus Christ’s. ” cf. 1 Corinthians 15: 1 ff 7