29th Nov 2010

Acts 25:1-12 – Paul’s Trial before Festus

• “Satan’s biggest problem”
• First lets summaries the situation. Paul is attacked by a mob, he speaks to them and is rescued by the Roman soldiers. Then he is taken before Felix to be tried on the way he escapes ambush. Felix keeps him for two years hoping to be offered a bribe, then is recalled to Rome. A new governor; Festus arrives on the scene.
• In this passage things are now happening fast. According to Josephus the Jewish/Roman historian, just before Felix departs and Festus arrives, he usurps extra authority and has Jesus’ brother and other Christian leaders executed. [antiquities 20.9.1]
• The Jews again approach Festus asking for Paul to be sent back to Jerusalem to be tried so that they can ambush him along the way.
• Paul however appeals to Caesar, he has every right to do this as a Roman citizen. His dream is about to come true – he will go to Rome, something he has always wanted.
• Satan’s plans always seem to backfire; Felix is recalled to Rome and subsequently banished due to his mis-government. Paul is called to Rome to give account and therefore his testimony. So God’s enemy Felix is removed from the centre of power and Paul bizarrely is drawn much closer.
• The reason Pais started is because of a similar incident. In the late 80’s Satan used a ‘white witch’ in Manchester to try to stop all Christian ministers from going into the schools. Instead it had the opposite affect. The  ministers realized the importance of school visits and got behind myself [Pais] and Andy Hawthorne [WWMT]. Soon schools work multiplied at a crazy rate!
• So why does Satan do it? Why does he attack when he knows it’s going to backfire? He even knows his final destiny!
• Because he is the greatest slave to sin of all.
• He cannot it seems help himself, he is consumed. What started as a decision has now bound him completely.
• It is a warning to us all.
• Things that start as ‘bad choices’ can leader to habits and patterns that lead to strongholds in our lives where we cannot help ourselves.
• Be essentially we can be encouraged; whatever my enemy tried I know God can use it and turn it back on him.
• Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.