Scripture
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.”
Reflection
Again, more waiting; the wheels of justice turned slowly. In the meantime, a visiting member of the royal household was curious to hear from this famous man waiting to be transported to Rome. There was a more practical reason as well . . . Festus had to write something to explain in “legal terms” why he was sending this prisoner to Rome apart from simply his appeal; perhaps King Agrippa could help? The key phrase in this paragraph is: “I found he had done nothing deserving of death” (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
The Bible is where we can turn when we don’t know how to pray. Take a moment to be still and reflect on God’s word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105.
