Acts 25 | Renewed Confidence

Monday: Read Acts 25:1-5
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In our day, the rise of the internet and cell phones means that the abuse of power by leaders is quickly exposed once wrongdoing comes to light. In Luke’s account, such rapid exposure was not possible, yet he records an abuse of power that was equally severe. The religious leaders, entrusted with truth and integrity, concealed their corrupt intentions by plotting Paul’s death. Crossing moral and ethical boundaries, they even lied before an official, proving that outward religiosity does not guarantee an inward transformation of heart. Instead of devoting themselves to meditating on God’s word and guiding His people, they consumed their thoughts and energy with schemes to end Paul’s life, even after two years. Minds designed for prayer and truth became instruments of deceit and violence.

Imperfect leaders are not a new reality, and we all feel the sting of their failures at times. Though Luke does not record Paul’s personal reaction, we can imagine the quiet strength he drew from knowing that his mission, identity, and ultimate safety rested in God’s hands. In the same way, when we encounter leaders or influencers who should know better but act unjustly, our first response should be prayer. Rather than letting anger, frustration, or disappointment take root, we are invited to bring those burdens to the Lord, who calls us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He promises to be with us and to empower us to live with courage and integrity, even in the face of failure or abuse by those in authority.

Spiritual Practice: Entrusting Leadership Wounds to God

When leaders fail us, the wound often cuts deep because they were meant to guide with wisdom, truth, and care. Disappointment can easily harden into anger or bitterness if left unchecked. Yet God calls us to a different path—the way of trust and release. Instead of carrying the weight of failed leadership on our own, we are invited to lay those burdens at His feet, trusting that He is the righteous Judge and the faithful Shepherd of our souls. As we surrender our hurt, He restores our peace and strengthens us to walk with integrity, no matter how others act.

1. Pause and Reflect – Identify a moment when you were hurt, disappointed, or frustrated by a leader or person of influence. Acknowledge the pain honestly before God.

2. Pray and Release – In prayer, name the specific burden and cast it onto the Lord, trusting His care.

3. Seek Integrity – Ask God to strengthen you to respond with truth, grace, and uprightness, even when others do not.

4. Rest in God’s Care – Remind yourself daily that your mission, identity, and safety rest in Him, not in the approval or failings of human leaders.

Want to Dig Deeper?
Study: Psalm 55:22, Romans 12:17–18, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Peter 2:23

Tuesday: Read Acts 25:6-12
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For nearly twenty-five years, from Acts 9 to Acts 25, Paul endured false accusations on at least twelve separate occasions. Only once did those charges come from Gentiles, who accused him of dishonoring their goddess and her temple. The other eleven arose from his own people, those who possessed the Scriptures and knew the law of God, including the clear command not to bear false witness (Exodus 20:16). It is difficult to imagine that, for decades, Paul was relentlessly opposed by those who should have upheld truth but instead chose deception. Their actions expose not only the audacity of their rebellion but also the tragic depth of their spiritual blindness. Yet through it all, Paul did not waver. He remained steadfast, anchored in the unshakable truth of the gospel.

We should not be surprised when people choose hypocrisy over honesty, even those who should know better. Like Paul, we may encounter situations where others prefer lies, slander, manipulation, or gossip rather than seeking a healthy resolution through truth. Yet Scripture calls us to a higher standard: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). Our responsibility is not to mirror their deception but to remain faithful, guarding our integrity before the Lord. Instead of answering lies with lies or insult for insult, we anchor ourselves in the truth of Christ, trusting Him to be our defender and the final judge of every word spoken against us.

Spiritual Practice: Walking in Integrity Amid Lies

When others choose deceit, gossip, or slander, the temptation is to fight back in the same way. Yet God calls us to a higher path. Instead of repaying evil for evil, we are invited to walk in integrity, surrendering the battle to the Lord who sees all and judges justly. This practice helps us release the weight of others’ words and remain anchored in the truth of Christ.

1. Bring It Before God: Name the lie, gossip, or unfair accusation that weighs on you. In prayer, release it into God’s hands.

2. Choose Integrity: Ask the Spirit to help you respond with honesty, kindness, and grace, even when others fail to do so.

3. Speak Blessing: Instead of returning insult for insult, speak a prayer of blessing over the person, entrusting them to God’s care.

4. Rest in Christ’s Truth: Remind yourself daily that your identity and worth are secured in Christ, not in what others say.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Psalm 37:5–6, Proverbs 12:22, Romans 12:21, 1 Peter 3:9

Wednesday: Read Acts 25:13-22
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In this portion of Scripture, Luke introduces Herod Agrippa II, who now entered the story and would have an audience with Paul. The name Herod is familiar throughout the Gospels and Acts, carried by a dynasty known for its violence and opposition to God’s work. Herod the Great, Agrippa’s great grandfather, tried to kill the infant Jesus. Herod Antipas, his grandfather, ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. Agrippa I, his father, martyred James, the first apostle to be put to death. Whether Agrippa II had heard of Jesus through his family’s stories or not, he was now given a first-hand opportunity to hear the gospel for himself.

What might appear to be an intimidating encounter for Paul could also be seen as an act of God’s grace toward a family marked by rebellion. The sins of Agrippa’s ancestors did not prevent God from extending the offer of salvation to him. This moment reveals the heart of God, who passionately pursues people regardless of their background, lineage, or even the worst sins they have committed. Grace breaks through where history is stained with failure, reminding us that no family story is beyond the reach of redemption. If God’s grace could reach Agrippa, it can certainly reach the people in our lives we are tempted to write off.

Spiritual Practice: Believing Grace Can Reach Anyone

Paul’s encounter with Agrippa reminds us that no family history, no background, and no sin is too great for the reach of God’s grace. Even a dynasty marked by violence and rebellion was not beyond the invitation of the gospel. This practice will help you open your heart in prayer and action toward those you might be tempted to give up on.

1. Reflect on God’s Pursuit: Take time to remember how God pursued you despite your past. Thank Him for His relentless grace.

2. Identify Someone: Think of a person in your life or community who seems far from God or hard to imagine responding to the gospel.

3. Pray for Openness: Ask God to soften their heart and to give you compassion, not judgment, toward them.

4. Look for Opportunity: Be ready to show kindness, speak truth, or extend an invitation when God provides the moment.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Ezekiel 18:23, Luke 19:10, 1 Timothy 1:15–16, 2 Peter 3:9

Thursday: Read Acts 25:23
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Luke paints a vivid scene in Acts 25:23. Paul, still in chains, was brought into the grand auditorium to make his case before Agrippa. He may have heard the commotion as prominent officials and leading citizens filed into their seats. The sounds of instruments echoed, the cheers grew louder, and finally Agrippa himself entered with great ceremony and pomp. While all eyes were fixed on the splendor of the king’s entrance, Paul likely prayed silently, knowing that his own worth did not rest in outward display. His life did not need the flare of man’s applause because he lived for the approval of One.

This moment is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of human recognition fades quickly, but the desire to please God brings eternal purpose. Paul’s strength came not from the crowd’s admiration but from the presence of Christ, who was with him even in chains. Our world still craves applause, recognition, and approval, often measuring worth by status, likes, or influence. Yet as believers we are called to stand apart, seeking not the shifting praise of people but the steady delight of our Lord. When the cheers of people fade and the stage lights dim, the voice of God still whispers, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That is the only applause worth living for.

Spiritual Practice: Living for God’s Applause

Paul reminds us that true worth is not found in the recognition of people but in the delight of God. The noise of human applause fades, but the steady voice of our Father saying “Well done” lasts forever. This practice will help you reorient your heart toward His approval above all else.

1. Quiet the Noise: Take a moment of silence to lay down your need for recognition from people. Ask God to free you from comparison and the pressure to impress.

2. Pray for Pure Motives: Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal where you may be seeking human applause more than God’s approval.

3. Shift Your Focus: Each day, choose one task—at home, at work, or in ministry—to do consciously for God’s glory, not for the notice of others.

4. Rest in His Delight:  End your day remembering that God sees you fully, knows your heart, and takes joy in your faithfulness, even if no one else applauds.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Matthew 6:1, Matthew 25:21, Galatians 1:10, Colossians 3:23–24

Friday: Read Acts 25:24-27
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What began as Agrippa’s curiosity to hear Paul’s story quickly grew into a full spectacle. Instead of a private hearing, an unknown number of prominent leaders gathered, not simply to listen but to scrutinize every word Paul spoke. Their aim was not justice but to see if they could uncover even the smallest reason to condemn him to death or justify sending him on to Caesar. The pressure in that room was immense. Every eye was fixed on Paul, every ear straining to catch a phrase that could be twisted against him. For Paul, this was not just an audience. It was a trial by public opinion with his very life hanging in the balance.

In the same way, there will be moments in our own lives when people watch us closely, waiting for us to stumble or compromise. It may be in the workplace, within our families, or even among friends who quietly test the consistency of our faith. The pressure to please others or to protect our reputation can feel overwhelming, but these moments are opportunities to remember where our true allegiance lies. We are not called to live for the shifting opinions of the crowd, which rise and fall with every word we say or decision we make. Instead, we live for the steady approval of God, whose eyes see beyond appearances and into the heart. When we anchor ourselves in His truth, He gives us the strength to stand firm with integrity, even when it costs us comfort or recognition. The applause of people may fade quickly, but the quiet assurance of God’s delight will sustain us and keep us faithful.

Spiritual Practice: Standing Firm When Watched

When others are watching closely, waiting for us to stumble or compromise, it can feel intimidating and exhausting. Paul reminds us that our lives are not lived for the applause or approval of the crowd but for the delight of God. This practice will help you shift your focus from the opinions of people to the steady gaze of your heavenly Father, who gives strength to stand in truth.

1. Recognize the Pressure: Reflect on a time when you felt the weight of others’ opinions or scrutiny. Bring that memory honestly before God.

2. Recenter on God: In prayer, declare that your worth and identity are found in Christ, not in the shifting opinions of others.

3. Choose Integrity: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and words so they reflect truth and grace, even when it is costly.

4. Rest in God’s Approval: End your day by reminding yourself that God’s voice is the one that matters most, and He delights in your faithfulness.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 29:25, Matthew 25:21, Galatians 1:10, Colossians 3:23–24