What is the meaning of Acts 25:18? But when his accusers rose to speak • Picture the scene: Paul stands before the newly appointed governor Festus, and immediately those who opposed him “rose to speak.” Acts 25:7 notes they “brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.” • This moment fulfills the pattern Jesus warned of—His followers would be hauled before governors and kings (Matthew 10:18) and would experience hostile crowds (Acts 21:27–36). • Scripture insists on the need for reliable testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15); yet here, the accusers present no credible witnesses, only agitation. Proverbs 18:17 reminds us that a case sounds convincing “until his neighbor comes and examines him.” • For believers today, the scene is a sober reminder: when we stand for Christ, opposition may be loud and sudden, but God remains sovereign over every courtroom (Psalm 75:7). they did not charge him • Festus expected a clear, prosecutable offense, yet the delegation produced none. Similar judgments had already been rendered: – Commander Lysias found “nothing deserving death or imprisonment” (Acts 23:29). – Governor Felix heard “no charge that could be proven” (Acts 24:13). – Even Pontius Pilate told the crowd, “I find no guilt in Him” regarding Jesus (John 18:38). • Paul lived out 1 Peter 3:16, keeping a clear conscience so that “those who slander you will be put to shame.” • Application: A blameless life confounds critics. When believers honor Christ in word and deed, false accusations collapse under their own weight (Philippians 2:15). with any of the crimes I had expected • Festus anticipated ordinary civil wrongdoing—extortion, rebellion, or violence. Instead, Acts 25:19 says the dispute concerned “their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.” • The contrast highlights two truths: – The gospel challenges spiritual assumptions more than political systems (Acts 18:15). – Unbelievers often misread doctrinal conviction as social agitation (Acts 26:31–32). • Like Festus, many today expect Christian faith to fit earthly categories yet find no genuine crime. Our mission is to make clear that the issue is not misdemeanors or felonies but the resurrection of Christ, which calls every person to decision (Acts 17:30–31). summary Paul’s accusers stood up, but their arguments fell flat. No verifiable evidence, no prosecutable offense, no expected crime—only the timeless clash between unbelief and the risen Lord. Acts 25:18 reassures believers that when we walk in integrity, accusations may come, yet God’s truth prevails, clearing the path for the gospel to advance. |
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