John Calvin Commentary Acts 25:1

"Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea." — Acts 25:1 (ASV)

Then when Festus. The second action is described in this place, in which Paul has as hard a combat and is in no less danger than in the first. Since he was left in bonds, Festus might suspect that the cause was doubtful and so form an unjust prejudice. But there was another thing that was a cause of great danger.

We know that new rulers, because they want to win the favor of those in the provinces, usually grant them many things when they first arrive. Therefore, it was to be expected that Paul's death would be a fine means for Festus to win favor with everyone.

Therefore, the faith of the holy man is newly assailed with a new trial, as if the promise to which he had until now trusted had been in vain. But the grace of God reveals itself all the more plainly in delivering him, because, contrary to all hope, he is delivered from the jaws of death.

The Jews come before the governor with their false accusations. Yet, they do not yet seek to have him punished, but they only desire that he not be brought to any foreign court to plead his case. They ambitiously desire this as a great benefit—a request that, on its face, seemed fair.

How is it then that they do not obtain their request, except that God holds the mind of Festus, so that he stoutly denies what he was afterward ready to grant? And just as the Lord then held his mind bound with the secret bridle of His providence, so when He granted him freedom of will, He bound his hands, so that he could not carry out what he wished.

May this confidence support us in dangers, and may it also stir us up to call upon God. And may this make our minds quiet and calm, because the Lord, by stretching out His hand and breaking such a strong conspiracy, showed an eternal example of His power in defending His own.