This passage starts when the Jewish leaders planned to kill
Paul by asking Festus to transfer Paul to Jerusalem for his trial (v.3). Festus
who represented the (Roman) governor of Judea told them to follow him to
Caesarea and put their charges against Paul there (v.5).
We found out through the passage that all those serious accusations
they put against Paul failed. He was proven not guilty against the Jewish laws,
the Temple or Roman government (v.7-8). At this point, Festus should be able to
release Paul and free him from any accusations. Nothing that Paul did deserved
his death (v.10-11). However, despite the clear truth of this case, Festus
wanted to please the Jews for his own sake by asking Paul if he would like to
stand trial in Jerusalem (v.9). That means opening the way for the Jews to kill Paul as they planned.
We learn a lot from this passage, especially about integrity.
Will we stay true to the truth no matter how difficult it can cost us? When the
majority refuse to accept the truth, what are we going to do? Who are we going
to please? It could happen when we need to speak out the truth God has shown
clearly, when we need to defend the weak and the oppressed ones or even when we
must make a fair decision involving our loved ones where honesty is required. As Christians, let’s stand firm on the Truth, which is the Word of God. May the Holy Spirit
help us. Amen.
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