Paul Appeals to the Emperor

Text: Acts 24:24-25:12

Reflection and Question: Paul has remained under arrest in Caesarea for two years because Felix takes an interest in talking with Paul as well as in the bribe he hopes Paul will slip to him. Yet, a bribe does not come. Felix is replaced by Festus who takes no interest at all in Paul or his situation. Instead, Festus is interested in gaining support from the local leaders by joining them in condemning Paul. Seeing this, Paul invokes his Roman status again and Festus settles the matter, “You have appealed to the emperor; to the emperor you will go.” God is not mentioned here; where is God in this?

Prayer: God of all peoples and nations, You set Paul upon a journey with many twists and turns, and You were at his side all along the way. As we follow the twists and turns of our way in life, sustain our faith as You sustained Paul’s. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).