Acts 25:19 – “Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Governor Festus is explaining to King Agrippa what he discovered about the accusations against Paul. He had assumed that Paul was guilty of serious crimes—perhaps something like rebellion or treason. But when he heard the actual charges, he realized that they were not legal or political matters at all. Instead, they were religious disputes, particularly concerning Jesus Christ.

Festus describes Jesus as “a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” This statement shows that Festus, like many other Romans, did not understand the full significance of Jesus’ resurrection. To him, the argument was just another religious debate among Jews. But to Paul, it was the very heart of the gospel—Jesus is not dead; He is alive!

Festus’ statement also reveals that the resurrection of Jesus was central to Paul’s message. The Jewish leaders opposed Paul not because he broke any laws, but because he preached that Jesus had risen from the dead. This was a direct challenge to their authority and beliefs.

Historical Context

At this time, Christianity was still seen as a sect within Judaism. The Roman authorities did not fully understand the differences between Jewish traditions and the new movement of Jesus’ followers. When Festus encountered Paul’s case, he realized that the charges against him were about religious disagreements rather than violations of Roman law.

The resurrection of Jesus was the most controversial claim in Paul’s preaching. The Jewish leaders rejected it because it contradicted their expectations of the Messiah. Meanwhile, the Romans saw it as strange and irrelevant to their legal system.

Festus, like many Roman officials, was likely skeptical about supernatural claims. He viewed Jesus as just another religious teacher who had died, and he did not grasp the significance of Paul’s claim that Jesus was alive. This misunderstanding shows how difficult it was for people outside the faith to comprehend the power of the resurrection.

Theological Implications

1. The Resurrection Is the Core of the Gospel – Festus unintentionally highlights the most important truth of Christianity: Jesus was dead, but now He is alive. Paul’s entire message centered on the resurrection because without it, there is no salvation (1 Corinthians 15:14-17).
2. Spiritual Truths Are Not Always Understood by the World – Festus did not grasp the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. This reminds us that spiritual truths often seem foolish to those who do not believe (1 Corinthians 2:14).
3. The World Will Misunderstand Christianity – Many people today, like Festus, see Christianity as just another religion. They do not understand that it is based on the real, historical event of Jesus’ resurrection. Our task is to help them see the truth.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, presents Festus’ words in a way that shows his confusion. The phrase “a dead man named Jesus” reflects Festus’ limited understanding. To him, Jesus was just another person who had died, but to Paul, Jesus was the risen Lord.

The contrast between “Paul claimed was alive” and “a dead man” is key. Festus, like many in the ancient world, saw death as final. But Paul preached that Jesus had conquered death. This literary contrast highlights the difference between the world’s perspective and the truth of the gospel.

Luke also uses Festus’ words to emphasize how central the resurrection was to Paul’s preaching. Even though Festus did not believe, he correctly identified that Paul’s entire message revolved around Jesus being alive.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 15:14-17 – “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Paul made it clear that the resurrection is the foundation of Christianity.
• Acts 17:32 – The Greeks in Athens mocked Paul when he preached about the resurrection, showing that non-Jews often found it hard to believe.
• 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness.” Festus’ reaction reflects this truth.
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The resurrection is necessary for salvation.
• Luke 24:5-6 – The angels told the women at the empty tomb, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of our faith. Many people today, like Festus, see Jesus as just a historical figure or a religious leader. But Christianity is not based on a dead teacher—it is based on a risen Savior.

It also challenges us to share the gospel clearly. Festus misunderstood what Paul was preaching. Many people today misunderstand Christianity as well. As believers, we need to explain that our faith is not just about religious traditions but about a living relationship with Jesus.

Additionally, this verse encourages us not to be discouraged when people do not understand our faith. Paul faced opposition and misunderstanding, but he kept preaching the truth. We should do the same, trusting that God can open people’s hearts to believe.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is revealed in the resurrection of Jesus. The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus, and the Roman officials dismissed Him as irrelevant, but God had a greater plan. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He provided the way for all people to be saved.

This verse also shows God’s patience. Festus did not understand, but God still gave him the opportunity to hear the truth. In the same way, God continues to give people today chances to believe in Jesus. His love reaches even those who are skeptical or confused.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse. The entire dispute was about whether He was alive or dead. Paul’s bold preaching made it clear—Jesus is not just a religious figure; He is the risen King.

Jesus Himself declared that He is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). His victory over death proves that He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Paul dedicated his life to proclaiming this truth, and as believers, we are called to do the same.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the resurrection of Jesus is so central to Christianity?
2. How can we help people today understand that Jesus is alive, not just a historical figure?
3. Have you ever faced skepticism about your faith, like Paul did? How did you respond?
4. What does this passage teach us about the difference between religious disputes and the core truth of the gospel?
5. How does knowing that Jesus is alive impact the way you live your life today?

This verse challenges us to stand firm in our belief that Jesus is alive and to boldly share that truth with a world that often misunderstands or rejects it. Just as Paul proclaimed the risen Christ before rulers and skeptics, we are called to do the same, trusting that God will open hearts to the truth.