I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges. I told them that it is not the Roman customThe Roman legal system was known for its structured and methodical approach to justice, emphasizing the rights of the accused. This reflects the broader Roman commitment to law and order, which was a cornerstone of their governance. The Apostle Paul, a Roman citizen, was entitled to these legal protections, which were not always afforded to non-citizens. This phrase highlights the contrast between Roman legal practices and the often arbitrary justice systems of other cultures at the time. to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity
The principle of allowing the accused to have an opportunity to present their case is foundational to justice. In the context of Acts, this reflects the fairness embedded in Roman law, which was advanced for its time. This principle is echoed in the Old Testament, where the law required witnesses and a fair hearing (Deuteronomy 19:15-19). to face his accusers
Facing one's accusers is a critical aspect of a fair trial, ensuring transparency and accountability. This practice is rooted in the legal traditions of both Jewish and Roman cultures. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself was subjected to trials where He faced His accusers, fulfilling His role as the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. and defend himself against their charges.
The right to defend oneself is a fundamental aspect of justice, allowing the accused to present evidence and arguments in their favor. This reflects the biblical principle of justice found in Proverbs 18:17, which emphasizes hearing both sides of a matter. Paul's defense before Roman authorities serves as a type of Christ, who, though innocent, was condemned, highlighting the ultimate injustice He suffered for humanity's redemption. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who is on trial, having been accused by Jewish leaders of crimes against their law and the Roman state. 2. FestusThe Roman governor who succeeded Felix and is responsible for overseeing Paul's trial. 3. Jewish LeadersThe accusers of Paul, seeking to have him condemned without a fair trial. 4. CaesareaThe location where Paul is being held and where Festus is governing. 5. Roman Legal SystemThe context in which the trial is taking place, emphasizing the importance of legal rights and due process. Teaching Points The Importance of Justice and FairnessThe Roman legal system, despite its flaws, upheld principles of justice that are consistent with biblical values. Christians are called to advocate for fairness and justice in all areas of life. The Right to Defend OneselfPaul’s situation underscores the importance of allowing individuals to defend themselves against accusations. In our interactions, we should ensure that we listen to all sides before forming judgments. God’s Sovereignty in Legal MattersDespite the human legal systems, God’s sovereignty is evident in Paul’s trials. Believers can trust that God is in control, even when facing unjust accusations. Courage in the Face of AccusationPaul’s example encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and convictions, even when falsely accused or misunderstood. Respect for AuthorityFestus’ adherence to Roman customs reflects a respect for legal authority. Christians are called to respect and pray for those in authority, even when they are not perfect. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Roman legal principle mentioned in Acts 25:16 reflect biblical values of justice and fairness? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are fair and just in our personal dealings with others, especially when accusations arise? 3. How does Paul’s experience in Acts 25:16 encourage us to trust in God’s sovereignty when facing legal or personal challenges? 4. What can we learn from Festus’ respect for legal customs about our own attitudes towards authority and governance? 5. How can we apply the principle of hearing both sides of a account (as seen in Proverbs 18:17) in our daily interactions and decision-making processes? Connections to Other Scriptures John 7:51Nicodemus reminds the Pharisees that their law does not judge a man without first hearing from him, highlighting the importance of due process. Deuteronomy 19:15The law requires the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a matter, underscoring the need for a fair trial. Proverbs 18:17This verse speaks to the importance of hearing both sides of a account before making a judgment, aligning with the Roman custom mentioned in Acts 25:16. People Agrippa, Augustus, Bernice, Felix, Festus, PaulPlaces Caesarea, JerusalemTopics Accused, Accusers, Attacking, Chance, Charge, Charges, Crime, Custom, Defence, Defend, Defending, Defense, Deliver, Destruction, Die, Face, Faced, Favour, Got, Laid, Licence, License, Manner, Matter, Meets, Met, Opportunity, Punishment, Receive, Regard, Reply, Roman, Romans, Statements, Till, TouchingDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 25:16 5286 custom Acts 25:13-16 5944 self-defence Library 1 Cor. 15:3-4. Foundation Truths.
[4] "I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; "And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."--1 Cor. 15:3-4. THE text which heads this paper is taken from a passage of Scripture with which most Englishmen are only too well acquainted. It is the chapter from which the lesson has been selected, which forms part of the matchless Burial Service of the Church of England. Of …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the TimesWhether a Judge May Condemn a Man who is not Accused?
Objection 1: It would seem that a judge may pass sentence on a man who is not accused. For human justice is derived from Divine justice. Now God judges the sinner even though there be no accuser. Therefore it seems that a man may pass sentence of condemnation on a man even though there be no accuser. Objection 2: Further, an accuser is required in judicial procedure in order that he may relate the crime to the judge. Now sometimes the crime may come to the judge's knowledge otherwise than by accusation; …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Ambition is Opposed to Magnanimity by Excess?
Objection 1: It seems that ambition is not opposed to magnanimity by excess. For one mean has only one extreme opposed to it on the one side. Now presumption is opposed to magnanimity by excess as stated above ([3363]Q[130], A[2]). Therefore ambition is not opposed to it by excess. Objection 2: Further, magnanimity is about honors; whereas ambition seems to regard positions of dignity: for it is written (2 Macc. 4:7) that "Jason ambitiously sought the high priesthood." Therefore ambition is not opposed …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Lawful for the Accused to Escape Judgment by Appealing?
Objection 1: It would seem unlawful for the accused to escape judgment by appealing. The Apostle says (Rom. 13:1): "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers." Now the accused by appealing refuses to be subject to a higher power, viz. the judge. Therefore he commits a sin. Objection 2: Further, ordinary authority is more binding than that which we choose for ourselves. Now according to the Decretals (II, qu. vi, cap. A judicibus) it is unlawful to appeal from the judges chosen by common consent. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Acts 26:24-29. Portraits.
[10] "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. "But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. "Then Agrippa said …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Messiah Worshipped by Angels
Let all the angels of God worship Him. M any of the Lord's true servants, have been in a situation so nearly similar to that of Elijah, that like him they have been tempted to think they were left to serve the Lord alone (I Kings 19:10) . But God had then a faithful people, and He has so in every age. The preaching of the Gospel may be compared to a standard erected, to which they repair, and thereby become known to each other, and more exposed to the notice and observation of the world. But we hope …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament.
I make this candour to consist in their putting down many passages, and noticing many circumstances, which no writer whatever was likely to have forged; and which no writer would have chosen to appear in his book who had been careful to present the story in the most unexceptionable form, or who had thought himself at liberty to carve and mould the particulars of that story according to his choice, or according to his judgment of the effect. A strong and well-known example of the fairness of the evangelists …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Jerusalem to Rome
Acts 21:17-28:31 THIS JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 21:17-28:31 1. The speech before the Jewish mob in the temple (Acts 22:1-29) in which Paul tells the Jews how he was changed from a persecutor to a believer in Christ. He relates also the story of his conversion. 2. The speech before the Jewish council (Acts 22:30; 23:1-10) in which he creates confusion by raising the question of the resurrection. But the provocation was great for the high-priest had commanded that Paul be smitten …
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
Acts 13-28 and all the rest of the New Testament except the epistles of John and Revelation. The Changed Situation. We have now come to a turning point in the whole situation. The center of work has shifted from Jerusalem to Antioch, the capital of the Greek province of Syria, the residence of the Roman governor of the province. We change from the study of the struggles of Christianity in the Jewish world to those it made among heathen people. We no longer study many and various persons and their …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its Just Weight...
One argument which has been much relied upon (but not more than its just weight deserves) is the conformity of the facts occasionally mentioned or referred to in Scripture with the state of things in those times, as represented by foreign and independent accounts; which conformity proves, that the writers of the New Testament possessed a species of local knowledge which could belong only to an inhabitant of that country and to one living in that age. This argument, if well made out by examples, is …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity Links Acts 25:16 NIVActs 25:16 NLTActs 25:16 ESVActs 25:16 NASBActs 25:16 KJV
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