In chapter 25 Paul, brought to trial before
Festus, appeals to Caesar. He had just spent two years
in prison and was undoubtedly being prepared for his
life as a prisoner in Rome. Things that happen to you
and me in our daily lives should be taken as God
preparing us for the future. I am sure Paul did not
understand why he was locked in prison for two years,
when he could have been preaching; yet he realized that
God was in command and was greater than any situation
which prevailed, and through it all God was preparing
him. When trials, tribulations, and hindrances come to
us, as born-again children of God, we should not falter
and complain about them. Rather, we should thank the
Lord and learn the lesson He has for us. In every case
it will strengthen us and prepare us to be better
Christians and better workers for Christ.

In chapter 26, Paul, with hands bound together,
in a very polite manner addresses King Agrippa. He very
definitely could not respect the king himself, but he
did respect the king’s office, and realized that God had
placed the king in authority over him. Paul tells his
story to Agrippa and, with compassion, tells of how
Christ had saved him out of a degenerate life. Agrippa’s
response to Paul was, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a
Christian.” The Bible does not record that Festus or
Agrippa were ever saved, but Paul was faithful in
proclaiming the Word before these men and the crowd that
was before them. What a lesson for Christians today! In
any situation, when we make Christ Lord of our lives, He
will give us boldness to speak for Him. Every child of
God should desire to be a bold warrior for Him.

In chapter 28 Paul turns to the Gentile people.
In verse 28 we read, “Be it known therefore unto you,
that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and
that they will hear it.” The Jews had again turned their
hearts from the Word of God. Their hearts had waxed
gross, their ears were dull of hearing, their eyes were
closed, and they were not interested in salvation. Thus,
Paul turns his ministry and preaching to the Gentiles.

There are several practical lessons to be found
in our reading today. (1) God prepares us for what lies
ahead. (2) Religion without Christ always persecutes the
believers. Paul had been guilty of doing this himself,
as recorded in Acts 9 and Philippians 3. (3) Religion
without Christ will also stoop to any measure to
accomplish the purpose of Satan. These Jews, even though
religious, would lie and even kill to uphold their
beliefs. Christians must never adopt the attitude that
the end justifies the means (see I Corinthians 4:1,2).
Paul had lived an honest life since his conversion and
no man could accuse him. This is the way all Christians
should live. We must remember that we represent the King
of kings and Lord of lords in our daily walk, and we
should never be guilty of doing anything that would
bring reproach upon His blessed name.