Correction…from my European Bible study, my friend Michael wrote this outstanding piece and I want to share it with you!

TO CAESAR WILL YOU GO
Acts 25:8-12 (NIV)
_“Then Paul made his defense: ‘I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.’ Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?’ Paul answered: I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!’ After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: ‘You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!_’”

CONTEXT/BACKGROUND
When Festus became the governor of Judah, one of his first actions was to travel to Jerusalem to meet with the Jewish Leaders. While Festus was in Jerusalem, the Jews requested a reopening of their case against Paul. They hadn’t given up in finding a way to kill Paul. Festus agreed on hearing the case, but instead of bringing Paul back to Jerusalem, as requested by the Jewish leaders, Festus invited the Jewish leaders to return to Caesarea for Festus to hear the case. They reluctantly agreed.

After returning to Caesarea, Festus took his seat on the bench and made Paul face the accusers. This time the scene was different, as Paul’s was made to stand as his accusers stood “_around him_” (v.7) as they presented their charges. This was far more physically menacing than the first trial. But Paul is not easily intimidated. During the trial, the Jewish Leaders “_brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them_” ( Acts 25:7)

Today we will see Paul’s response.

A PROPOSED COMPROMISE
_Then Paul made his defense: ‘I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.’ Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, ’Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?’ _

In his defense, Paul simply denied the accusations. Since his opponents had no evidence, only their words. In his rejection of the charges, Paul reiterated that he had done nothing wrong against the temple or Caesar (Roman law). By all rights, Festus could have closed the case at this point. However, Paul continued to be used as a political pawn between the Romans and the Jews.

At his first hearing, the previous governor, Felix, “_wishing to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned_” (Acts 24:27). Now, two years later, Festus, “_wanting to do the Jews a favor_” (Acts 25:9), made an unreasonable request for Paul to move his trial to Jerusalem to accommodate the Jews. While Festus would still preside as judge, he was seeking a compromise with the Jewish leaders. However, unbeknownst to him, this plan played directly into their schemes, as they were still plotting to ambush and kill Paul on the way to Jerusalem (Acts 25:3).

DEMANDING HIS RIGHTS
_Paul answered: ‘I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them’_

Clearly, Festus underestimated Paul. He did not back down, even though he was outnumbered. After two years in prison, many people would have wavered in their faith, feeling discouraged and defeated. But Paul’s faith and trust in God’s promises were the source of his strength. Instead of being intimidated, he spoke boldly.

Paul responded by pointing out that he had not been formally charged with any crime against Rome, so the court had no legal right to compel him to do anything. He asserted that the fabricated charges against him were baseless—and Festus knew it. Paul further declared that he was not afraid to die, but if he were to receive a death sentence, it must come from a Roman court, not from the angry Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. As a Roman citizen, he had the right to insist that his trial be conducted according to the law.

This boldness and strength, driven by faith, had been a hallmark of Paul’s ministry. He knew that going to Jerusalem would be difficult. Reflecting back on Acts 20:22-24, we read: "_And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace_”

Paul was further strengthened by the promise God had given him in Jerusalem after being accused before the Sanhedrin: “_Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome_” (Acts 23:11).

AN APPEAL TO CAESAR
_‘I appeal to Caesar!’ After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: ‘You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!’_

Finally, realizing that he would receive no justice in this court, Paul appealed to Caesar. This was a right granted to every Roman citizen who felt they were not receiving justice in the provincial courts, allowing them to take their case to the Roman Supreme Court—namely, Caesar himself.

God used this moment to continue Paul’s journey to Rome. His appeal to Caesar put Festus in a very difficult position. Politically, he could not set Paul free without offending the Jews, but he also could not convict and sentence him, as there was no evidence of Paul breaking Roman law. At this, Festus conferred with his legal advisors.

According to the Bible Background Commentary: “A Roman judge normally had a _consilium_, or council, with whom to confer; because a governor might not be learned in the law, it was important for him to have some advisors who were, although he was ultimately free to disregard their counsel. This was an unusual case.”

Festus found himself in a political dilemma. He did not want to upset the Jewish leaders, with whom he needed to build a positive working relationship, but denying Paul’s appeal to Caesar would leave him vulnerable to accusations of overstepping imperial authority.

The Jewish historian Josephus describes Festus as the most faithful governor of Judea in carrying out Roman policies during this period. Given this, he granted Paul’s request to appeal to Caesar.

At the time, "Caesar" referred to Nero, who reigned from A.D. 54–68. The first five years of his reign were relatively peaceful, but afterward, his rule became increasingly cruel and irrational (Acts 25:9).

APPLICATION
Paul’s life provides a powerful blueprint for how we as men can be both strong in faith and action. His unwavering trust in God and his boldness in ministry teach us how to stand firm, lead courageously, and persevere through hardship. Let’s explore some key lessons we can learn from Paul.

1. Be Committed to Your Mission (Acts 20:22-24)
"_And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace._"

Men who are strong in faith embrace their God-given purpose with courage. Paul didn’t let uncertainty or suffering stop him from fulfilling his calling. Likewise, we must remain focused on our mission as husbands, fathers, workers, and leaders—faithfully serving Christ no matter the obstacles.

2. Stand Firm Under Pressure (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
"_We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed._"

Being strong in faith means persevering through trials without losing heart. As men, we will face challenges—spiritual battles, family struggles, workplace pressures—but like Paul, we must refuse to give up. God sustains those who trust Him.

3. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Your Own (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
"_But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong._"

A strong man is not one who appears invincible, but one who humbly depends on God’s power. Paul embraced his weaknesses because he knew that through them, Christ’s power was revealed. Likewise, real strength comes from admitting we need God in every area of life.

4. Stay Confident in God’s Love (Romans 8:35-39)
"_Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us._"

Men who are strong in faith do not fear failure, rejection, or suffering, because they know that nothing can separate them from Christ’s love. Paul’s confidence in God’s love made him fearless. When we rest in God’s love, we can lead, serve, and make decisions with boldness.

5. Live with Purpose and Courage (Philippians 1:21)
"_For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain_"

A strong man lives for more than just himself—he lives for Christ. Paul saw every breath as an opportunity to serve God. Our careers, families, and daily actions should reflect our devotion to Christ.

6. Finish Strong (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
"_I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing._"

True strength isn’t just about how you start, but how you finish. Paul remained faithful to the very end. Men of faith must lead their families, serve their communities, and remain faithful to Christ for a lifetime.

Being a strong man is not about our physical or mental toughness – it is about where we draw our strength from – our faith in God and our Hope in the glory which is to come.