A new governor, Festus, had been in the province three days before the Sanhedrin had his ear, asking to move Paul’s trial to Jerusalem while planning an ambush along the road. Two years had passed, and the murderous intent had only lingered. Festus declined the venue change but, wanting to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul if he would go to Jerusalem after all. So Paul played the card he had been holding for years. I am a Roman citizen. I appeal to Caesar. The moment those words left his mouth, the case left Festus’s hands. God had built the right of appeal into Roman law four hundred years before Paul needed it, and granted him citizenship by the city he was born in. The man invoking his rights in Caesarea was standing on scaffolding God had been building for centuries. Faith and shrewdness can work together. Sometimes obedience looks like deploying what God has already placed in your hand.
What is Acts Daily Devotional Podcast?
What if the story of the early church isn’t just history, but a blueprint for following Jesus today? The Acts Daily Devotional Podcast is a 141-day journey through the book of Acts in the Bible, hosted by Pastor Derek. Each short episode combines Scripture and practical teaching to help inspire your daily chair time with God, whether at home or on your drive to work. Starting April 26, discover how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to advance the mission of Jesus from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.