How does Acts 25:20 connect to Romans 13:1 about authority and governance? Verse Focus “ ‘But since I was at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried there on these charges.’ ” (Acts 25:20) Parallel Verse on Authority “ ‘Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.’ ” (Romans 13:1) How the Two Passages Interlock - Festus, a pagan governor, holds legitimate, God-appointed authority even while unsure how to proceed. - Paul, already affirming the divine source of civil power when he later writes Romans 13, demonstrates submission by staying within Roman legal channels. - Festus’s uncertainty (“I was at a loss”) shows that human rulers are limited, yet still part of God’s ordering of society. - Paul’s appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11) is a concrete example of honoring authority without compromising the gospel. Observations About Civil Authority in Acts 25 1. Recognition of Jurisdiction • Festus knows Jerusalem’s Sanhedrin has religious competence but Rome holds ultimate judicial power. 2. Due Process • Paul insists on his lawful right as a Roman citizen; Festus respects it. 3. God’s Larger Plan • Acts 9:15 foretold Paul would testify “before kings”; Festus’s decision moves that prophecy forward. Principles Drawn from the Connection - Government—even when secular—is a God-ordained structure to restrain chaos and administer justice (Genesis 9:6). - Believers may lawfully use their rights (Acts 22:25-29) without rebellion, trusting God’s sovereignty over rulers. - Submission is not silence; it is orderly engagement that keeps conscience clear before God and man (1 Peter 2:13-17). - The gospel often advances through respectful interaction with authority (Philippians 1:12-13). Supporting Verses - Matthew 22:21 — “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” - Titus 3:1 — “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient…” - Daniel 2:21 — “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them…” Summary Takeaways - Festus’s predicament in Acts 25:20 highlights both the limitations and legitimacy of earthly rulers. - Paul’s respectful appeal models Romans 13:1 in real time: he acknowledges God’s hand behind Roman authority while advancing the mission God gave him. - Scripture calls believers to honor governance, exercise lawful rights, and trust that every authority—competent or confused—rests under God’s sovereign appointment. |
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