Acts 25:1-12 Paul On Trial Before Festus

Festus replaces Felix as governor, and Paul is once again called to stand trial.   Things have not changed in the two years that Paul was under guard in Caesarea.   The Jews still wanted to ambush and kill Paul.   And, when they brought their accusations, they still had no evidence.  Paul continued to maintain his innocence; and then exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar.   Festus agreed; and so, Paul's waiting was finally over.  He was now being sent to Rome, just as God had said two years ago.

This passage illustrates some things about sitting in God's "Waiting Room".    I can somewhat imagine how I would've felt in Paul's situation.... being kept under guard for two whole years, even though he did nothing wrong.  He knew God said he would be a witness in Rome; but, here he was stuck in Caesarea.    Yet, he seemed to make the most of his situation, still telling the gospel message to Felix and Drusilla.   Even when called to stand trial once again, this time before Festus, he did not reveal any frustration with once again being asked to go back to Jerusalem to be tried.  Instead, he used the opportunity to appeal to Caesar and kept sight on God's Plan to send him to Rome.  This shows me that God has His Timing; and that we just need to keep focused on His Calling and Plan; and be ready for any opportunities that arise.