Acts 25:13-27
13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”
23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”
Reflection
God had promised Paul that he would eventually testify to Christ in Rome (Acts 23:11), though it is unlikely that he ever imagined that his journey there would occur in chains. Seeing that his case was going nowhere, and that he was potentially heading back to Jerusalem to face the groundless charges of the Jews, Paul spotted an opportunity (25:8–9). Because he knew that God is in control and that his gospel will ultimately triumph, Paul took the creative risk of appealing his case to the emperor in Rome (v. 25; cf. v. 12). Since Festus needed to explain to the emperor why he was sending this prisoner, he asked King Agrippa to hear the case as well so that he could help explain the charges against Paul.
The purposes of God’s wise plan were unfolding as the gospel continued moving forward through this unjust situation. Because of Paul’s imprisonment, he was able to carefully share the gospel with the governor Felix (24:10–25), the governor Festus (25:1–11), and now King Agrippa (26:1–29). Often we do not understand why God brings us through challenging and confusing seasons, but we can be certain that he is always working it for our good and for the glory of his name.
Revelation 19:11-21
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.
Reflection
At long last, Christ comes to save his people through the judgment of their enemies. Unlike every satanic enemy, Jesus is Faithful and True. He will reign in a way that is worthy of trust: in righteousness he judges and makes war (Rev. 19:11). He will slay his enemies with the sword that comes from his mouth (v. 21; cf. 1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15). Because the battle has not yet begun, the description in 19:13 that he is clothed in a robe dipped in blood seems to refer to his own blood from his death on the cross. Either people will be saved by the blood of Jesus through faith in him or they will be judged and will pay for their sins with their own blood. One way or another, all sin will be punished.
Despite the suffering it will bring, John is encouraging persecuted Christians to reject the sinful pleasures of this world and to keep their faith in Christ. John has shown them how Satan has used the wicked world as a prostitute who entertains the sinful passions of the world (chs. 13 and 17). Now John shows that our satanic enemies will be captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur (19:20). Strengthening believers in the conviction that the deceivers will one day be judged is a powerful argument to be vigilant against deception and to adhere to the truth.
Psalm 139:2-5
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Don’t be discouraged if you are unsure how God is going to use your life or resolve your present situation. Paul’s complex path to Rome is a reminder that God knows exactly what he is doing with our lives. Share with the Lord any fears or uncertainties you may have. Confess any unbelief in his control over your life, and profess your faith in him once more.