Acts 25:17

Wednesday, 6 March 2024

“Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. Acts 25:17

The Greek more literally says, “Therefore, they, having come together, having made no delay, the next, having sat on the bema, I commanded the man to be brought” (CG).

Festus had just told Agrippa that it was not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused could meet his accusers face to face so that he could answer for the charges against him. Having said that, he next says, “Therefore, they, having come together.”

That was seen in verses 25:5, 6 –

“Therefore, he said, ‘let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.’
6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea.”

From there, Festus next says to Agrippa, “having made no delay, the next, having sat on the bema, I commanded the man to be brought.” These words are exactly as recorded in the continuation of verse 25:6 –

“And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought.”

As can be seen, the words are exact according to what was recorded by Luke. The only thing not stated, and which would have been an obvious part of his formalities while in Jerusalem, is that he had spent ten days with the Jews.

Thus, immediately after his time in Jerusalem, the trial with the leaders and Paul came about. He cannot be said to have been negligent in this matter as it was, truly, the next day after his state visit. It demonstrated then, and it is showing to Agrippa now, that he intended to be a governor who was willing to listen to the complaints of the leaders of the people under him.

At the same time, it demonstrated that he was concerned about placing the rights of Roman citizens in a very high priority. The Jewish king, therefore, would understand that the priorities of Festus were exactly what they should be as a governor of Rome who was placed over a district of the empire.

Life application: After WWII, MacArthur was placed in a leadership position over the nation of Japan. His time there lasted from 1945 to 1952. His word was considered as the absolute authority concerning what would take place.

At the same time, he demonstrated concern for both the Japanese and for the forces assigned under his command. It was a balancing act that proved highly successful. The nation of Japan was brought out of its former state and into a thriving modern society.

However, this time of ruling will be outshined by that of the coming millennial reign of Christ. Hints of that time are found throughout the Old Testament prophets, and they clearly indicate that this rule will go forth from Jerusalem in the land of Israel with the people of Israel as chief among the nations. For example –

“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
3 Many people shall come and say,
‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
And rebuke many people;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.” Isaiah 2:1-4

This sentiment is repeated in Micah 4:1-3. One must ask, “What is the point of recording such detail throughout the prophets unless it is actually going to happen?” Where is the glory in failed prophecies or prophecies that are transferred from one people group to another without the covenant between the first two parties being fulfilled and set aside as promised?

If you believe that the church has replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plans, you have accepted a premise that says God cannot be trusted to complete what He has started, or that God has changed what He began to accommodate a fluctuating narrative that overlooks direct and purposeful promises to a particular group of people.

If He is willing to do that to Israel, how can we be sure He will not do that to the church as well? Such a ridiculous notion is incomprehensible when thought through. Be sound in your thinking by rejecting replacement theology. God has not rejected Israel. The word even explicitly says that in Romans 11.

Every promise made to Israel the nation will come about, exactly as the word says. The Gentiles have been graciously grafted into God’s redemptive workings. They have not replaced Israel. Rather, they have become a part of the commonwealth of Israel. Read and believe God’s word. In this, you are demonstrating faith in Him. His word is an expression of who He is.

Lord God, thank You for Your faithfulness to Your people. How good and wonderful it is to know that even if we walk away from You, You will never abandon us. We are prone to wander, but You remain faithful even as we do. Thank You, O God, for Your steadfastness in remaining faithful to those You have covenanted with! Hallelujah and amen.