This passage in the Bible is dialogue between Festus and King Agrippa. Festus explained Paul’s case to King Agrippa. Festus was in a difficult position because he had to make a report of Paul’s case to Caesar, and he realized that he was innocent. Festus, knowing Agrippa was Jewish, had better knowledge of Jewish faith and practice, welcomed the opportunity to share Paul’s case with him (vv. 14-21). Maybe Agrippa could help him to frame a cover letter that must accompany Paul to Rome and Caesar.

1. The arrival of Agrippa  (Acts 25:13-14a)
2. Festus' presentation of Paul's case  (Acts 25:14b-22)

Paul stood before these worldly unbeliever’s defending the Christian view of the resurrection. What we have presented to us in this passage is the world, in all its decadence and depravity verses Christianity, and especially the opposing views concerning the resurrection of Jesus.

Getting Started

1. In our text we have the beginnings of Pauls’ fifth trial. Four times before he was accused and found innocent. Have you ever been falsely accused of something? How did it feel? Share your story.

Read Acts 25: 13-22

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

 Digging Deeper

3. Charles Spurgeon who died in 1892, said; “Brethren, this is why we must keep on preaching Jesus Christ, because he is still so little known. The masses of this city are as ignorant of Jesus as Festus was.” Have you met anyone who didn’t know who Jesus was, or was ignorant of the facts about Jesus’ resurrection? Share your story.

4. Some say, “It doesn’t matter what you believe, just so you believe in something.” But why is it crucial for our faith to rest on the facts about the person of Jesus Christ?

5. There is no way around it. Salvation is exclusive to the resurrected Saviour. There is only one way. Jesus could not have made it clearer in John 14:6. Why is this dogmatic truth, offensive to most?

The Heart of the Matter

6. Some believe in Christianity as long as it “works” for them. But if trials hit, they turn elsewhere. How does an understanding of the resurrection counter this shallow approach?

7. If Christianity rests on a fact of history, where does faith fit in? Why is it necessary?

8. The Christian life must never be lived according to “shoulds.” Yet we hear that word often in relation to Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and our evangelism. “I should do that, but . . .” What are some of these excuses that keep you from sharing the gospel?