Acts 25 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for March 1 - March 8, 2007
(Read Acts 25 Online)

Reflections on Acts 25 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There is a famous quotation from Christ which some modern Christians misinterpret.

But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:39

This is often taken to mean that Christians should be completely passive, and simply accept whatever comes in our lives without complaint or action. Such people do not attempt to take charge of events in their lives at all, but instead accept evil when it comes as a natural occurrence in life, and hope that God will bring something better the next time.

But Paul shows us that "turning the other cheek" does not mean surrendering to evil. In Acts 25, the trial of Paul before Festus begins. This time, the judge is eager to do something for Paul's accusers, likely for political reasons. He decides the best way to please his constintuency and get the problem of Paul off of his hands, is to send Paul to Jerusalem. He makes the offer to Paul, who knows that a trip to Jerusalem means death, whether in an ambush or before the Sanhedrin.

But Paul is not passive at all in his reaction. He immediately appeals to Caeser! This is the ultimate appeal in the Roman justice system, the equivilent to an American appealing to the Supreme Court. It is not passive at all, but rather a powerful move. But also note it does not violate Christ's command to "turn the other cheek", because he is still allowing himself to stand under judgement by Gentiles for his crimes. He does not challenge the justice system, but uses it to the best possible effect.

While we are to "turn the other cheek," that does not mean we are to passively accept whatever. Rather, Paul shows us that we are to be active participants in life, always looking to do what will bring about God's ends.

Questions to Consider
- Do you find yourself leaning toward passivity or over-activity when you are opposed?
- Have you ever been tempted to completely give in and surrender to evil?
- Have you ever been tempted to react too much to evil?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 25
b. Arrival of Festus in Jerusalem (25:1-5)
c. Paul before Festus: Appeal to Caesar (25:6-12)
4. Consultation of Festus with Agrippa II (25:13-22)