What can we learn from Festus' perspective on religious disputes in Acts 25:19? Context in a Sentence “Instead, they had some points of contention with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.” — Acts 25:19 Festus’ Limited Lens • Festus reduces the entire gospel drama to an intra-Jewish “contention.” • He classifies the resurrection as a mere claim: “Paul affirmed.” • Like Gallio before him (Acts 18:15), he treats spiritual truth as a civil footnote, missing its eternal weight. What Festus Teaches Us about Unregenerate Assessment • Natural reasoning cannot grasp spiritual realities (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Political leaders may value peace over truth, so the gospel is often sidelined for expediency (John 11:48). • Outsiders will likely view resurrection preaching as “strange ideas” (Acts 17:20). • Yet even in reduction, Festus highlights the core issue: “Jesus … died … Paul affirmed to be alive.” God ensures the centerpiece—Christ crucified and risen—remains unmistakable. The Non-Negotiable of the Resurrection • Paul’s entire defense rests on the risen Christ (Acts 26:8, 23). • The early church preached “Jesus … whom God raised” (Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15). • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 places the resurrection as of “first importance,” confirming that Festus, though uninterested, pinpoints the watershed doctrine. Religious Curiosity vs. Spiritual Conviction • Festus is curious enough to convene Agrippa (Acts 25:22) but never moves to repentance. • Agrippa later quips, “In short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28). Intellectual intrigue without heart surrender remains barren (James 2:19). Lessons for Gospel Witness Today • Expect secular authorities to label the gospel a “religious dispute,” yet keep declaring it as historical fact (Acts 4:20). • Anchor every defense in the resurrection; it is the pivot of faith and the stumbling block to unbelief (Romans 10:9; 1 Peter 3:15). • Pray for eyes to open; only God can turn a Festus into a believing Philippian jailer (Acts 16:29-34). • Present Christ plainly; even dismissive summaries can carry seeds of truth the Spirit may later water (Isaiah 55:11). |
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