Acts 25:12

Friday, 1 March 2024

“Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, ‘You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!’” Acts 25:12

In the previous verse, Paul had appealed to Caesar as was his right as a Roman citizen. With that, it next says, “Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”

Festus had a body of legal counselors, just as anyone in such a position today would have. It would be unwise to render any decision without going through them because they were schooled in the law.

To bypass them in a legal matter would show incompetence, especially if the ruling turned out badly later. After the legal counsel explained the law, Festus then rendered his decision to Paul – to Rome, he would go, and to Caesar, he would be brought.

Some translations state his words as an acknowledgment, “You have appealed.” Others, as a sarcastic question, ask, “Have you appealed?” The first is probably correct because the words are said after the consultation with his council, not before.

If he were being a wise guy, he would have first asked it sarcastically and then conferred with his council. But without having been in the room, it is impossible to say for sure. Either way, he would have probably been more than happy to have this out of his hands. The Jews could not say that they had a new governor who wasn't willing to hear them, and Paul couldn't make a complaint as a citizen of Rome about Festus’s faulty care for his rights.

Life application: In the book of Proverbs, it says –

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

It is unwise to make decisions without being properly informed on a matter. This is why there are lawyers and legal advice. It doesn’t matter if it is a matter concerning estates, being in an accident, or being charged with a crime, there are lawyers to meet these and many other needs.

But there is also counsel for the more weighty and important matters of life as well, meaning the matters concerning one’s relationship with his Creator. In Proverbs, and while speaking of attaining wisdom, it says this about that –

“A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” Proverbs 1:5

Overall, the Bible is a book of wisdom. It is also a book that contains books of wisdom within it, such as Proverbs. Taking time to read the Bible, think about what it says, and even going into deeper personal studies demonstrates wisdom.

Along with that, attending studies with someone who is properly trained in theology and sound biblical hermeneutics is important as well. Today, one doesn’t even need to drive across town to do so. You can watch a study a day on YouTube. You can listen to a podcast while jogging. You can have a study going while driving to work. Such avenues of learning demonstrate that you are being wise with your time.

To not seek out your Creator and to not try to have a proper relationship with God is unwise. Don’t be unwise. For best happy in the afterlife, read and study your Bible!

Lord God, forgive us for those times where we get distracted in life and misdirected from what is important. Help us now and always to be responsible with our time and to carefully pursue a sound relationship with You. Thank You for Your precious word. With it, we can seek its truths in order to gain a heart of wisdom. Amen.