If you are looking for Acts 25 Bible study questions, this page gives you a full set for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal reflection. Acts 25 follows Paul after Festus takes over as governor, shows the Jewish leaders renewing their plot against him, and records Paul’s appeal to Caesar. The questions below move from what the chapter says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily faithfulness.
Acts 25 at a Glance
Festus arrives in Judea and quickly visits Jerusalem, where the high priest and other leaders ask him to bring Paul there so they can ambush him on the road. Festus refuses and invites the accusers to Caesarea, where he hears their charges and Paul’s defense. Paul, sensing that the proceedings are bending toward the Jewish leaders, appeals to Caesar, and Festus grants the request.
Later, King Agrippa and Bernice visit, and Festus describes the case to him. The chapter closes with Festus explaining that he has no clear charge to put in writing, which sets up Paul’s hearing before Agrippa in the next chapter. Use the questions in order, or pick the set that fits your time.
Observation Questions
Use this set to slow down and read the text carefully before anyone offers an opinion. Ask group members to find the answer in the chapter before discussing it, and keep the focus on what the verses actually say.
Acts 25:4-5
4 However Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly. 5 “Let them therefore”, said he, “that are in power among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him.”
(WEB)
Read this passage to show how Festus refuses to let the accusers control the setting of the hearing. It sets up the central question of fair process that runs through the whole chapter.
Acts 25:8
While he said in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all.”
(WEB)
This short verse gives Paul’s clear and direct defense. Reading it aloud lets the group hear the simplicity of his answer before discussing the charges.
Acts 25:11
For if I have done wrong, and have committed anything worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
(WEB)
Paul’s words here carry both his willingness to face justice and his firm refusal to be handed over unjustly. Reading it slowly helps the group grasp the weight of his appeal.
Acts 25:18-19
18 Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such things as I supposed; 19 but had certain questions against him about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
(WEB)
These verses reveal what Festus actually found in the accusations, which was a dispute about religion rather than a crime. Reading them aloud shows the gap between the leaders’ loud charges and the actual substance.
Acts 25:25-26
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him, 26 of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination, I may have something to write.
(WEB)
Festus’s own statement that he found nothing deserving death is a turning point in the chapter. Reading it aloud allows the group to see how the governor’s judgment has been shaped by the evidence he has examined.
Memory Verse for Acts 25
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you see every false accusation and every plot against those who serve you. Give us the calm honesty of Paul, the willingness to speak truth without fear. Where we hold positions of influence, guard us from seeking the approval of others above your justice. Teach us to trust your care when we cannot control the outcome, and to use every lawful means you provide with wisdom. Shape our words and our decisions this week. Amen.
