The Bible Recap — Day 347 (Acts 24-26) — Year 7

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: December 13, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble recaps Acts chapters 24–26, guiding listeners through Paul’s trials before Roman governors and King Agrippa. She dives into how Paul remains steadfast in his faith and mission, even in the face of injustice, imprisonment, and political intrigue. Tara-Leigh draws attention to Paul’s unwavering integrity and the bigger picture of God’s sovereignty at work, highlighting that even inconvenient or painful circumstances fit into God's ultimate plan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Paul Before Felix (Acts 24)

• Backdrop: Five days after Paul’s arrival in Caesarea under Roman guard, Jewish leaders come with their lawyer Tertullus to formally accuse Paul before Governor Felix.
• False Charges: Tertullus attempts to flatter Felix and accuses Paul of inciting riots and desecrating the temple—charges that are unfounded.
• Paul’s Defense: Paul calmly refutes the charges, emphasizing his consistent integrity and faithfulness to the Hebrew Scriptures ("the law and the prophets", i.e., Old Testament).
• Felix’s Motives: Felix is familiar with "the Way" (early Christianity) and is intrigued but noncommittal. He keeps Paul imprisoned, but ensures his custody is lenient, possibly hoping for a bribe.

"Felix keeps calling Paul up to talk to him about the Way, but it's never enough for him. He's also kind of hoping Paul is going to pay him a bribe so he can get out of prison. But even here, Paul maintains his integrity, sharing the Gospel and obeying the rules." (03:52)

• Outcome: This stalemate continues for two years until Felix is replaced, in part due to his inability to maintain peace (likely a political ousting).

2. Paul Before Festus (Acts 25)

• Festus Inherits the Case: The new governor Festus finds the matter unresolved. Jewish leaders once again seek to ambush Paul by demanding he be transported to Jerusalem for trial (intending to attack him en route).
• Festus’ Decision: Unwilling to acquiesce entirely, Festus invites them back to Caesarea for a hearing.
• Paul's Appeal to Caesar: Festus, possibly to curry favor with the Jews, suggests moving the trial to Jerusalem. Paul, sensing the danger, asserts his rights as a Roman citizen and appeals his case to Caesar in Rome.

"Paul says, hard pass... I'm going to make an appeal to Caesar instead. As a Roman citizen, Paul is asking to be elevated to a higher court, one that, in theory, should weigh more in his favor." (07:08)

3. Paul Before King Agrippa (Acts 26)

• Agrippa’s Interest: King Herod Agrippa II visits, and Festus seeks his input. Agrippa is curious and asks to hear Paul himself.
• Paul’s Testimony: Paul recounts his history—his persecution of Christians, dramatic conversion, and calling to preach the Gospel.
• Festus' Reaction: Festus interrupts, accusing Paul of madness after hearing his passionate testimony about Jesus.

“Festus interrupts and tells Paul he's lost his mind. Paul has just given a beautiful explanation of the Gospel, but Festus doesn't get it. This reminds me of what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:18: ‘The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing.’” (10:32)

• Agrippa’s Response: Agrippa, put on the spot, wavers; he’s not ready to convert, but Paul expresses hope for everyone present to know Christ.

"Paul says, as long as it takes, as long as it takes. Because I want everyone who is here today to convert. I want everyone to know the God I know and love, the God I love. My only hope is that it doesn't land you in prison, too.” (11:57)

• Leaders’ Consensus: Agrippa and Festus agree Paul is innocent and would be freed, had he not appealed to Caesar.

4. Spiritual Takeaway & “God Shot”

• Even though Paul’s appeal leads to continued imprisonment and lost chances for freedom, Tara-Leigh emphasizes God’s sovereign orchestration.

“Even in what seems like terrible timing, God is at work. And that's where I saw my God shot today. Even though Paul missed his chance at freedom, God is still directing Paul's steps according to his plan.” (13:00)

• Paul’s enduring faith is highlighted by his words in Acts 26:22—through all trials, he acknowledges God’s help.

“Think about all he's been through, trial after trial, false accusations, character assassination, torture, interrogations, beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, you name it. And even in all of that, he says he sees God's help every step of the way.” (13:30)

• Application: The difference in how Paul views “help”—with an eternal perspective—contrasts with seeking just personal comfort.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Felix’s Political Games:
  "Felix keeps calling Paul up to talk to him about the Way, but it's never enough for him. He's also kind of hoping Paul is going to pay him a bribe so he can get out of prison." (03:52)
• Paul’s Determination:
  "Paul maintains his integrity, sharing the Gospel and obeying the rules." (04:12)
• Appeal to Caesar:
  "I'm going to make an appeal to Caesar instead. As a Roman citizen, Paul is asking to be elevated to a higher court..." (07:12)
• On the Meaning of the Gospel Message:
  “The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing.” — Citing 1 Corinthians 1:18 (10:38)
• Paul’s Heart for Salvation:
  “I want everyone who is here today to convert. I want everyone to know the God I know and love, the God I love. My only hope is that it doesn't land you in prison, too.” (12:09)
• God’s Help Through Suffering:
  "To this day I have had the help that comes from God." — Paul, Acts 26:22 (13:40)
• Summary of The Message:
  “God is our helper, and he's where the joy is.” (14:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:02–04:45] — Paul’s trial before Felix; context and details about early church persecution
• [04:46–07:20] — Transition from Felix to Festus; renewed Jewish plots
• [07:21–09:45] — Paul’s legal defense; appeal to Caesar and implications
• [09:46–12:15] — King Agrippa’s hearing; Paul’s testimony, leaders’ reactions
• [12:16–14:00] — Tara-Leigh’s “God shot”; lessons on sovereignty, suffering, and God’s help
• [14:01–end] — Modern application: idolatry, heart-check, and resource mention (excluded as per guidelines)

Additional Reflections

• Paul’s resilience stands out throughout this narrative. Despite political corruption, repeated injustice, and personal risk, his focus and hope remain set on God’s plan and the spread of the Gospel.
• Festus and Felix, though powerful, are portrayed as self-interested and spiritually indifferent, whereas Paul’s integrity becomes a model for Christian endurance.
• The episode draws a contemporary parallel about idolatry—not just as ancient statues, but as anything that takes root in the heart, inviting listeners to self-examination.

In Summary:
Tara-Leigh Cobble’s recap helps listeners see Paul’s story not just as a sequence of legal battles, but as a powerful demonstration of faith in adversity and evidence of God’s providence. The episode underscores spiritual resilience and the enduring relevance of the Gospel message in every era.