Man’s Trials and God’s Providence
Imagine standing in a courtroom, facing charges that could lead to your death, all based on lies. You re innocent, but your accusers are relentless, and the judge is under pressure to appease those who want you condemned. In that moment, how would you respond? Where would you find your strength?
Acts 25 is not just a historical account; it’s a narrative that speaks directly to our hearts today. It challenges us to recognize God’s provision in all circumstances, stand with wisdom and integrity when falsely accused, and rest in God’s providence even when the future seems uncertain.
As we explore this chapter, we will draw some parallels to the life of Joseph, who similarly faced trials and accusations. We will see how he modeled reliance on God, personal integrity, and ultimate trust in God’s providence.
Recognize God’s provision in all circumstances. (1-5)
Do you realize that God provides in every circumstance? Ultimately, He provides everything needed for Him to receive glory. If He doesn’t provide exactly what you desire, because our desires don’t always align with His will, you know what He provides? He provides strength for today. This moment. He provides your daily bread. He provides courage and strength. He provides His presence and His peace. No matter what circumstance you are in, God provides.
We see God provide for Paul time and time again, although he has now found himself in prison for two whole years. In verses 1-5, Festus, the governor who replaces Felix, arrives in Jerusalem, and the Jewish leaders quickly present their charges against Paul, seeking a favor to have him transferred to Jerusalem. Their hidden intent is to ambush and kill him. Festus, however, keeps Paul in Caesarea, stating that the accusers should present their case there. This decision, which seemed like an administrative duty to them, is a clear demonstration of God’s provision. Despite the intent of the Jewish leaders, Paul remains under Roman protection.
God providentially works through everyday decisions and events to protect and provide for His people.
There are so many people of faith that have given God much glory and benefitted the world through trusting in God’s provision amidst difficult circumstances and even false accusations like we see of Paul here. I think of John Bunyan who was imprisoned in the 1600s for 12 years for preaching without a license. He trusted God in prison, though he shouldn’t have been there in the first place. It was from his prison that he wrote the most sold work in the English language next to the Bible, “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Similarly, I think of people like William Tyndale, who first translated the Bible into English in the 1500s. He was imprisoned for 16 months then executed by strangulation then burned on a stake. God provided for the world through these two men who were left in prison and shouldn’t have ever been there.
Think about Joseph from Genesis. His entire life is a testament to recognizing God’s provision in all circumstances. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph thrived in Potiphar’s house, then was falsely accused and imprisoned, yet again found favor in the eyes of the prison warden. His ability to interpret dreams eventually brought him to Pharaoh’s attention. In Genesis 41:39-41, Pharaoh acknowledges Joseph’s wisdom and appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt. That was after he spent two years in prison, though, for a crime he didn’t commit. And that is after about 13 years prior being sold into slavery.
In Philippians 4:19, Paul assures us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” He knew it to be true. By trusting in God’s provision, we acknowledge that He is in control and working for our good, even when we can’t see the immediate outcome.
Always stand with wisdom and integrity. (6-12)
In verses 6-12, Festus returns to Caesarea, convenes the court, and summons Paul. The Jewish leaders accuse Paul of serious crimes, but they can’t prove their charges. Paul declares his innocence regarding Jewish law, the temple, and Caesar. Festus, seeking favor with the Jews, asks Paul if he is willing to go to Jerusalem for trial. Paul wisely invokes his right as a Roman citizen to be tried before Caesar, avoiding a biased trial. This demonstrates Paul’s wisdom and integrity in navigating legal challenges. By insisting on his rights and maintaining his innocence without resorting to deceit, Paul exemplifies the importance of standing firm in truth and utilizing wisdom in the face of adverse circumstances.
Hear what Jesus said in Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Here are some different ways this can be lived out, as evidenced by Paul.
Stand with integrity when falsely accused. (6-7)
Despite the serious nature of these accusations, Paul stands with integrity, calmly declaring his innocence. The Jewish leaders are unable to substantiate their claims. God is a God of truth. If we have done nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear. God is our judge. He is the One who matters. Stand for Truth and stand with integrity.
When Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of trying to assault her, Joseph was thrown into prison despite his innocence (Genesis 39:13-20). Throughout this ordeal, Joseph maintained his integrity. He didn’t seek revenge or try to defend himself aggressively; instead, he continued to trust in God. In prison, we can see Joseph’s character and integrity as he gained the trust of the prison warden and was put in charge of other prisoners.
We see a similar scenario in the life of Jesus. Despite being falsely accused by the religious leaders, Jesus remained silent and didn’t retaliate, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” Jesus’ response to false accusations serves as the ultimate example of maintaining integrity under pressure.
In our own lives, we might face false accusations in our workplaces, communities, or even within our families. Standing with integrity means responding with truth and grace, not seeking revenge but trusting in God’s justice. 1 Peter 2:12 encourages us to live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse us of doing wrong, they may see our good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Stand with integrity when opposed. (8-9)
This isn’t just how we should act when falsely accused, but it’s how we should act any time we’re opposed. Paul simply declared his innocence and continued to follow the laws of the land. He didn’t retaliate but calmly defended the truth. Christians should always be the ones to take the high ground.
Joseph faced significant opposition from his own brothers, who were jealous of him and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-28). Despite their betrayal, Joseph maintained his integrity. Later, when he rose to power in Egypt and his brothers came seeking food during the famine, he had the opportunity for revenge but chose to act with integrity. Instead of punishing them, he tested their character and ultimately forgave them, revealing his true identity and providing for them (Genesis 45:1-15).
James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Stand with wisdom by utilizing the resources God has given you. (10-12)
In verses 10-12, Paul uses wisdom by utilizing his Roman citizenship to appeal to Caesar. When Festus suggests that Paul go to Jerusalem for trial, Paul recognizes the danger and potential bias he would face there. By invoking his right to be tried before Caesar, Paul ensures a more impartial hearing. This strategic decision demonstrates Paul’s ability to wisely use the resources and rights available to him to further his mission and protect himself from injustice. This shows us the need for us to be aware of and utilize the resources God has given us to further His mission, whether they are legal rights, personal abilities, or opportunities.
Joseph’s wisdom in utilizing the resources God provided can be seen in how he managed Egypt’s resources during the seven years of plenty and the subsequent famine. He advised Pharaoh to store surplus grain during the abundant years to prepare for the coming famine (Genesis 41:33-36). When the famine struck, Joseph’s wisdom in utilizing resources ensured that Egypt not only survived but became a source of provision for other nations. His wisdom and foresight in utilizing the resources God provided ended up saving countless lives.
In our own lives, God has given us various resources—time, talents, finances, and opportunities. Wisdom involves recognizing the resources God has given us and using them effectively for His purposes. Paul encourages us in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Leave vengeance to the Lord. (11)
Leaving vengeance to the Lord is a profound act of trust and humility.
Hear what Paul says in Romans 12:17-19,
“17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
If Paul did anything wrong, he was willing to pay for it. But, he knew he didn’t, and he knew God was a God of justice, so he lived that out.
We can see this with Joseph in his interaction with his brothers after becoming the governor of Egypt. When his brothers feared payback after their father’s death, Joseph reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19). By forgiving his brothers and acknowledging God’s providence, Joseph exemplified leaving vengeance to God and trusting in His greater plan.
In our lives, we often face situations where we are wronged or treated unjustly. Leaving vengeance to the Lord means resisting the urge to retaliate and instead trusting God to handle the situation. Proverbs 20:22 advises, “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” By leaving vengeance to the Lord, we free ourselves from bitterness and allow God to work His perfect justice in His perfect timing.
Rest in God’s providence. (13-27)
God's providence means that everything happens for a reason, both the big things and the small things, both good and evil. Ultimately, in the providence of God, He is working out all things according to the counsel of His perfectly good will (Eph. 1:11).
Herod Agrippa II was the great grandson of the Herod who killed the Bethlehem babies and the son of the Herod who killed the apostle James (Acts 12). He was the last of the Herodians, and Bernice was his sister. He comes to the scene with an outside perspective and sees that there are no charges made against Paul that aren’t religious in nature. Ultimately, Paul is going to make his case and get to share the gospel, as we will see next week. All things happen for a reason. God is good and in control. And those two don’t contradict each other. Paul would ultimately end up at Rome, which was God’s plan and Paul’s destiny.
Again, we can see this within the story of Joseph. Years after his hardship and trials, during a severe famine, Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food. There they encountered Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery, and feared his revenge. But Joseph said something unforgettable in Genesis 50:20, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Although his brothers' actions were wrong and unjust, Joseph recognized that God was using those circumstances to accomplish His perfect purposes. Many people were spared through God’s providence, even though Joseph faced tremendous hardships.
The greatest example of God using unjust circumstances to fulfill His purposes is seen in Jesus. From the false accusations against Him to the unfair trial and Pilate's decision to hand Him over despite knowing His innocence, everything that led to Jesus' crucifixion was unjust. Yet, God was at work through it all. In Acts 2:23, Peter states that Jesus was "delivered up [on the cross] according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” The prophecy in Isaiah 53:10 of Him says, “It was the will of the LORD to crush Him.”
From the beginning, God planned it to rescue His people from their sins. Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, dying in our place and bearing the judgment we deserved. Through this great injustice, God executed the greatest legal act of all time. He brought justification to all who would repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus.
Even through the darkest days and most difficult times, God is working something good.
So, when you face injustice in your life, remember that God is at work. Even when we don't understand His plans, Gods is still accomplishing His purposes.
