1) In Acts 25, we resume at verse 13, using larger sections of text to progress through the narrative more swiftly. After Paul appeals to Caesar, Festus prepares to communicate the situation to Rome and Caesar. Concurrently, he receives visitors, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice, who are there to pay their respects to Festus.

2) Festus informs the king and his sister that Felix, his predecessor, left Paul in chains for his case to be decided, at which point Paul made his appeal to Caesar. It's noteworthy how closely American law aligns with Roman law, which does not permit convictions without a trial. However, it's also important to acknowledge that Roman law can be perverted. And American law is following close behind. We are losing the “innocent” until proven guilty process.

3) In every true judicial sense, and even before the Lord, individuals are given the opportunity to defend themselves and confront their accusers. This doesn't mean that railroading doesn't occur, as it's not difficult to see where this takes place, even in a country as great as America. However, self-defense is a fundamental right in all governing judicial systems tied to any form of democracy.

4) Interestingly, Festus tells Agrippa that the accusations against Paul were not what he expected, but were all centered around a man named Jesus, who had died but whom Paul insisted was alive. Regardless of theological brilliance, Christianity is fundamentally about the resurrection of Jesus. Overlooking this simplicity turns faith into a religion.