December 7, Acts 25
Porcius Festus had a common writer’s problem—an assignment and no idea about what to write. It was a routine report to his boss. The quill was sharpened, the ink on hand. The parchment was waiting to soak up his words, if he only knew any words to write. Yes, Festus had writer’s block.
Writers spend lots of time staring at an empty page or screen. Most of us don’t know why we can’t get started. But Festus’ block came from a known issue: he could not make a decision because he was not guided by principle.
Festus inherited Paul’s case when he became governor. The apostle had been incarcerated more than two years, but the previous governor, Felix, had never issued a judgment. The Jewish leaders asked a favor of the new administration—they wanted Paul transported to Jerusalem. Their animosity, like a bitter wine, had grown more potent over time. Their desire and their plan remained the same: get Paul out of protective custody, set up an ambush and
kill him.
Festus refused their request, and told the Jews to come to Caesarea if they wanted to accuse Paul. When they came, their attack was tenacious, but still based on old, unprovable charges. Paul maintained his innocence. Festus, willing to make some concession to the Jewish leaders, suggested a change of venue. Paul
protested that the case was already before the proper court. The charges would still be bogus and he would still be innocent anywhere they moved the trial. He didn’t mind dying if he deserved it, but he didn’t want a lynch mob to decide his fate. To avoid falling into the Jews’ hands, he used his Roman citizenship, appealing to Caesar. Festus granted the appeal.
When Agrippa and Bernice came to visit, Festus told them about Paul and explained his dilemma. He had granted an appeal, but had no charge to explain why Paul was a prisoner in the first place. Agrippa wanted to hear Paul, and Festus arranged the meeting, hoping to get some idea of what to put on Paul’s paperwork. He sounded like a carnival barker introducing a circus oddity when he brought Paul before the royal guests.
Decisions should be made on principles, what we believe and know to be true. Festus knew Paul was innocent. But his desire for political clout with the Jews clouded the decision-making process.
Maybe you’re struggling with a decision right now. Are your principles guiding your decision-making process? Maybe you, like Festus, inherited the problem at work. I hope you’re not, like Paul’s antagonists, nursing an old grudge that’s keeping you from making the right choice. You may be like Paul, at a place where life seems to be on hold and you’re waiting on the Lord. Let your principles, based on what is true and right, be your guide. It will be easier to explain why you did what you did, which will help if you’re ever asked to put it in writing.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—December 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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