Slices
Prepare
Whether royalist or republican, there is a King who we honour and who rightly deserves respect. Before we read on, pray with due reverence as we enter his presence.
Bible passage
Festus consults King Agrippa
13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: ‘There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.
16 ‘I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive. 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. 21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.’
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, ‘I would like to hear this man myself.’
He replied, ‘Tomorrow you will hear him.’
Paul before Agrippa
23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: ‘King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.’
Explore
To welcome Governor Festus into his new role, King Agrippa, the great-grandson of Herod the Great – the despot who issued orders intended to kill baby Jesus – swings by with full pomp and bling (v 13)! Agrippa’s father also had a track record of bloodlust, beheading James and imprisoning Peter (12:2–4). The governor’s weakness and indecision are stark (v 20), and it’s all looking bleak for Paul.
We navigate a fallen world where other people’s reluctance to do the right thing may seem alien to us, even as recovering sinners ourselves. My wife and I have spent literally months advocating to the authorities on behalf of our children who require extra help because of their special needs. To us, the evidence is crystal clear, but we’ve found that – too often – those in power can be a hindrance rather than a help. Should we have spent that advocacy time instead in prayer? Paul shows that due legal process is a legitimate tool in our armoury.
Ominously, the king demands to speak directly to Paul (v 22), still in custody awaiting his appointment with Caesar. We’re left with a cliff-hanger to be resolved on Monday – should Paul survive that long.
Respond
Ever felt ignored, as others talk about you rather than with you? God’s not like that: he wants to be in dialogue despite his divinity! Speak freely with him – what’s on your heart?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 24,25; Ephesians 5
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that staff and volunteers will each play their part in revealing Jesus to the next generation. Pray for long-term, sustainable mission to take root in communities across England and Wales, so that children and young people everywhere can encounter Jesus for themselves.
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