Judge Not

Today's reading: Acts 25. Paul was still in custody, and there has been an administration change (see Acts 24:27). Felix was pulled from power and called back to Rome. He was replaced by Festus. It was only natural that a new governor would want to get off on the right foot with the official leaders in his new territory, so Festus goes to Jerusalem to meet the officials and high priest there. Of course, we know that these Jewish leaders were the sworn enemies of Paul, and their plan was to ambush and kill Paul (Acts 25:2-3). They "informed" Festus "against Paul". They brought all of their false charges against Paul to Festus. But Festus smelled trouble and said, "that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly", and if you want to accuse this man, then you'll have to come with me to Caesarea (v.5). Now while Festus was no saint, we do learn something from him and this story. He heard the charges against Paul but was wise enough to know that there are two sides to every story. Let us learn this lesson well. A great deal of evidence may be brought against a perfectly innocent man. Therefore, let us be slow to condemn persons of unblemished character. Let us be slow to judge anyone, because we do not know all the facts. Let us be slow to jump on the band wagon to accuse anyone. In fact, let's allow the only One who has the right and ability to judge-Jesus Himself! "For the Father...has committed all judgment to the Son." John 5:22.