(24:27) Who was Festus? Why was Paul still a prisoner for those two years?
When Festus began his rule, where did he travel to?
Who informed Festus against Paul? What did they want him to do? But, what was their plot?
What was Festus’ response?
What did he want the Jews in authority to do?
When Paul went to the judgment seat, could the Jewish authorities prove any of their accusations?
What three entities did Paul declare himself innocent from wrongdoing against?
What did Festus suggest to Paul? Why did he suggest that?
Before whom does Paul believe he ought to be judged?
Under what circumstances would Paul not refuse to be killed? But, why does he refuse to be delivered to his accusers?
Who does Paul appeal to?
What was Festus’ response to him?

Thought Questions

Why did Felix and Festus leave Paul in prison? (24:27, 25:9) Did they think he was guilty? How would you react if you were left in prison by a human and apparently forgotten? What good came out of the situation anyway?
Do you believe God can use non-believers to help protect His disciples and fulfill His will? Do you think this happened here, with Felix and Festus?
Despite leaving Paul in prison, do you think Felix and Festus, even being pagan Romans, were more just (in dealing with Paul’s case anyway) than “God’s people,” the Jews? How can we tell if justice is being served rightly, whether by church or civil leadership?
Do you think Paul did the right thing in appealing to Caesar?
Again, what can we learn from Paul’s grace and patience in these trials? How about his wisdom? Would you be able to respond the same way? How could you learn to?

My prayer is:
That I would look to God and His word rather than to people for righteousness and justice–even those considered the “holiest” on earth;
That I would look to God when apparently forgotten by all humans;
And that I would have patience–and wisdom–with those who are persecuting me.