The Essential Question (Part 9): Paul's Roman TrialSample

"I Appeal to Caesar!"

Prepare: How would you describe your life today-focused, hectic, busy, discouraging? Spend a few moments asking for God's peace and presence, regardless of what you are experiencing.

Read: Acts 25:1-12

Reflect: Several years ago, I was pulled over for a traffic violation by a policeman in Philadelphia. He said I ran a red light. I claimed the light was yellow. We argued for a while, but he had the badge, which gave him power over me. When the officer handed me the ticket, he said, "If you want, you can appeal this in traffic court." Sure of my innocence, I decided to take my case downtown. That's what happens in this passage. After arguing over his alleged violation, Paul famously took his case downtown: "I appeal to Caesar!" (Acts 25:8-11).

In this passage, we also sense a change in Paul's tone. So far in our journey through Acts, we've seen him harassed, opposed, manhandled, beaten, and even stoned. But no matter what, Paul stayed focused on sharing the good news with Jew and Gentile alike. Here, after two years of house detention, while the religious leaders plotted to do him in, he seems to be saying, "That's it! I demand my rights!"

That raises two intriguing questions for those who want to make a difference for God today. First, when is it right to fight back against the opposition? After all, didn't Jesus say, "turn to them the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39 NLT)? But what if you have tried that and it hasn't worked? Indeed, our first instinct must always be to pray and trust God; the Bible contains many accounts of divine intervention to solve impossible problems (for example, Exodus 14:13-14). But sometimes, as we see in this passage, it's right to stick up for ourselves. God can use that to produce a ministry breakthrough too.

The second question underlying this passage is a variation of the first: When is it right to help God accomplish his plan? After all, Paul already knew he would testify in both Jerusalem and Rome (Acts 23:11). It's a tough question, one for which there is no cookie-cutter answer. We note that Paul was certain of God's call and willing to submit to God's outcome (Acts 25:11). That freed him to take bold action to achieve God's purposes.

When I arrived in traffic court years ago, I sat in the gallery watching the other appeals. Finally, it was my turn, and I nervously explained my side of the story. The judge looked at me, paused, then dismissed the case. I don't think he believed me, but he had no choice because the accusing officer hadn't shown up. Soon we'll find out the result of Paul's appeal to Caesar. For now, we can only admire the way God was using Paul's faith in action to spread the good news.

Apply: Are you feeling stuck or trapped in some area of your life? Ask God to show you his purpose for the situation and what action he wants you to take.