Previously on Unstoppable – Paul was under arrest at Caesarea. In Caesarea, he is protected from the Jerusalem Jews who are plotting to kill him. The Roman governor Felix staying at Caesarea often sent for Paul and conversed with him. Paul had the opportunity to speak truth to Felix, but two years later, Felix is replaced by another governor named Festus and no progress has been made on Paul’s case.  

Our story continues in Acts 25. When Festus was in Jerusalem, the people who wanted to kill Paul, now tried their luck with this new governor by bringing up the charges again with the hopes that perhaps they could push their agenda.

As part of the Jews’ plan to kill Paul, they requested for Festus to bring Paul from Caesarea back to Jerusalem because they wanted to ambush Paul along the way and kill him just like they planned to two years ago. 

Contrary to their expectations, Festus told the Jews that he was about to return to Caesarea and asked them to gather some of their leading men of authority to go to Caesarea instead and they would hold a trial there. 

Two years on, the outcome of the trials held with Governor Festus and then King Agrippa prove to be futile as the trial results in the same outcome as two years before – there is no proof of the accusations made against Paul.

In a turn of events, Paul used his rights as a Roman citizen and escalated his case to the emperor of Rome, a courageous and bold move that could end either way.