JOIN THE JOURNEY JR.
Families Abiding in Jesus together
With shorter reading assignments and kid-specific focus areas, Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents disciple their kids and engage with Scripture in the best ways for their age.
This month's memory verse
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
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[A]sking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.
Acts of the Apostles 25
Paul Appears before Festus
1Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, 2where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. 3They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way). 4But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon. 5So he said, “Those of you in authority can return with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, you can make your accusations.”
Have you ever had someone tell on you to a new teacher, coach, or parent, hoping that this time they would get you in trouble? That is a little like what is happening in today’s passage.
As we read in Acts 24, the Jewish leaders brought their accusations against Paul to Governor Felix. We also learned that Felix decided to leave Paul in prison for two years. That is a long time!
Now, as we see in chapter 25, there is a new sheriff in town: Porcius Festus. In those days, a Roman governor was an important person given a lot of power to rule over a province of the Roman Empire.
Sometimes, when a new person takes charge, we hope everyone gets a fresh start. But sometimes, old problems follow them. As you read today’s passage, pay attention to who shows up, what they ask for, and how Festus responds.
God, thank you for strengthening us when we face injustice or are wrongly accused by others. Thank you for protecting us from harm. Please give us eyes to see the ways you protect us, and help us find comfort in knowing that You are always in control. Amen.