Waiting on God’s Timing
Thank you for joining us as we read Acts 24–26. These chapters remind us that justice delayed is not always justice denied. In moments of urgency, fear, or confusion, we cry out to God—and sometimes it feels like He’s silent. But He always answers. The response may be “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” And often, the waiting is where His providence unfolds most powerfully.
Paul’s Imprisonment and Protection
Under the authority of Ananias the high priest, who had previously ordered him struck during a hearing (Acts 23:2–3), they imprisoned Paul. Seeking favor with the Jews—and possibly a bribe—Felix, the Roman governor, kept Paul in custody for over two years (Acts 24:26–27). This arrangement, known as Custódia Libera, resembled house arrest. Paul’s friends could visit and care for him, and remaining in custody likely spared him from assassination plots (Acts 23:12–15).
A Change in Leadership and a Shift in Justice
Eventually, they reassigned Felix—possibly to Rome—and Porcius Festus replaced him (Acts 24:27). People considered Festus to have integrity, unlike Felix. Within three days of arriving, he held a hearing for Paul (Acts 25:1–6). Recognizing the complexity of the case, Festus invited King Agrippa II to hear Paul’s defense (Acts 25:13–22).
Agrippa was the son of Herod Agrippa I, who ruled during Jesus’ crucifixion. He arrived with Bernice, his sister. According to Josephus, the siblings were inseparable, leading to speculation about impropriety. (1) Tacitus and Suetonius spoke more directly, and Suetonius claimed Emperor Titus sent Bernice away because of the public scandal surrounding their relationship. (2)
God’s Providence Through Roman Law
Had Paul been tried solely by Felix, he might have been condemned despite the lack of evidence. But God delayed the process until Festus and Agrippa—men with greater fairness and cultural understanding—could hear the case. Paul also invoked his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:10–12). Once requested, Roman law required that the appeal be honored.
Festus, unsure how to describe the charges against Paul, welcomed Agrippa’s insight. This delay was not a setback—it was part of God’s plan to bring Paul to Rome, where his testimony would echo across the empire (Acts 26:32).
A Lesson in Patience
This story reminds us that patience is more than a virtue—it’s a blessing. In today’s high-speed world, we grow impatient waiting for coffee at a drive-through. But growing up in the 1960s, if I wanted coffee, I had to fill a percolator, place it on the stove, and wait. We still do this when camping. The closest thing to a drive-through was a diner, where you’d sit, order, and wait for someone to pour your coffee.
Sometimes, I miss those days. That slower pace allowed for human connection and thoughtful reflection. We all need reminders that not everything should be instant. God’s timing is perfect—even when it feels delayed.
Tomorrow, we will read Acts 27-28.
Footnotes
- Josephus, Jewish Antiquities 20.145.
- Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, “Titus” 7; Tacitus, Histories 2.2.