Acts 25:20 – “I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Governor Festus is continuing his explanation to King Agrippa about Paul’s trial. Festus admits that he did not know how to handle Paul’s case because it was not about crimes that Roman law recognized. Instead, the accusations were centered on religious disputes, particularly about Jesus and His resurrection (Acts 25:19).

Since Festus did not understand Jewish religious matters, he proposed sending Paul back to Jerusalem to stand trial before the Jewish authorities. However, this was not an innocent suggestion. The Jewish leaders had already tried to ambush and kill Paul before (Acts 23:12-15), and they were likely hoping to do so again if he was transferred. Paul knew this and wisely appealed to Caesar instead (Acts 25:11), ensuring that he would be sent to Rome instead of being placed back in the hands of his enemies.

Festus’ statement shows his political uncertainty. He wanted to keep peace with the Jewish leaders while also following Roman law. Instead of making a firm decision, he tried to shift responsibility to Paul. This hesitation would eventually lead to Paul’s appeal being granted, fulfilling God’s plan for him to take the gospel to Rome.

Historical Context

Festus had recently taken over as governor of Judea, inheriting Paul’s unresolved case from his predecessor, Felix. As a Roman official, Festus was responsible for keeping order in the region, but he had little understanding of Jewish religious matters. The Jewish leaders saw this as an opportunity to pressure him into handing Paul over to them.

Roman law required evidence before convicting a person, but the accusations against Paul were based on religious disputes rather than criminal activity. Since Festus was unfamiliar with Jewish customs, he struggled to determine a proper course of action. His suggestion to move the trial to Jerusalem was a way to avoid making a direct ruling, but it would have placed Paul in serious danger.

Paul, as a Roman citizen, had the legal right to refuse a transfer to Jerusalem and instead appeal to Caesar. This was a significant legal privilege that ensured he would be judged in Rome rather than by local authorities influenced by political and religious pressure.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Human Decisions – Even though Festus was uncertain, God was guiding the situation. Paul’s appeal to Caesar was not just a legal move; it was part of God’s plan to take the gospel to Rome (Acts 23:11).
2. The World Does Not Understand Spiritual Matters – Festus, a Roman governor, was confused by the Jewish religious debates. This highlights how people who do not know Christ often fail to understand spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:14).
3. God’s Protection Over His People – The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Paul, but God provided a way for him to escape through Roman law. Even when we face opposition, God is still in control, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, presents Festus as a governor who is caught in political tension. The phrase “I was at a loss how to investigate such matters” shows that Festus did not know how to handle religious disputes. This highlights the contrast between earthly rulers and God’s wisdom.

The phrase “I asked if he would be willing” makes it sound like Festus was giving Paul a choice. However, in reality, it was a dangerous suggestion. If Paul had agreed, he would have been handed over to the Jewish leaders, who had already plotted to kill him.

Luke uses Festus’ uncertainty to show that even when human leaders are indecisive, God’s plan is still unfolding. The tension in this scene builds toward Paul’s appeal to Caesar, which will ultimately bring him to the heart of the Roman Empire to proclaim the gospel.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 23:11 – Jesus told Paul that he would testify in Rome, showing that God was guiding these events.
• Acts 23:12-15 – The Jewish leaders had already plotted to kill Paul before, proving that their goal was not justice but assassination.
• Acts 25:11 – Paul wisely appeals to Caesar, knowing that going to Jerusalem would put his life in danger.
• 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’ confusion about Paul’s case reflects this truth.
• Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Even Festus’ decisions were under God’s control.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that we should not be surprised when non-believers do not understand our faith. Just as Festus was confused about Paul’s case, people today may misunderstand the gospel. Our role is to continue standing for the truth, trusting that God will guide us.

It also teaches us to rely on God’s wisdom rather than human decisions. Paul was facing uncertainty, but he did not panic—he used the legal rights God had given him to continue his mission. In the same way, when we face difficult situations, we should seek God’s direction, knowing that He is in control.

Additionally, this verse encourages us to trust God’s protection. Paul’s life was at risk, but God provided a way of escape. When we encounter challenges or threats because of our faith, we can trust that God is watching over us and will provide a way forward.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He protects His people. Paul was in danger, yet God used Roman law to provide a way out. This reminds us that God watches over His children and works through circumstances to accomplish His will.

God’s love is also evident in His patience with those who do not understand Him. Festus was confused about Jesus and Paul’s message, yet God still gave him the opportunity to hear the gospel. This shows that God desires all people—even those in power—to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s trial before Festus parallels Jesus’ own trial before Pilate:

• Both were innocent yet falsely accused – The Jewish leaders presented false charges against Jesus (Luke 23:2) and against Paul.
• Both stood before Roman governors – Jesus stood before Pilate, while Paul stood before Festus.
• Both faced rulers who were unsure what to do – Pilate did not know how to handle Jesus’ case, just as Festus did not know how to handle Paul’s.

Paul, like Jesus, remained faithful even when facing opposition. Jesus ultimately submitted to death on the cross to bring salvation to the world, while Paul used his trial as an opportunity to spread the gospel. Both trusted in God’s plan, showing us that no matter what trials we face, we can trust that God is in control.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you see God’s guidance in Paul’s decision to appeal to Caesar?
2. Have you ever faced opposition or misunderstanding because of your faith? How did you respond?
3. What does this verse teach us about how God can use even non-believing authorities to accomplish His plans?
4. How does Paul’s example challenge us to trust in God’s protection even in difficult circumstances?
5. What can we learn from Festus’ confusion about spiritual matters? How does this apply to conversations we have with non-believers today?

This verse reminds us that even when human leaders are uncertain, God’s plan is never uncertain. Just as He guided Paul, He is guiding us today, giving us wisdom, protection, and opportunities to share the gospel.