Universal Utterings
for May 22, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
05-22-2026 Acts 25 V1721 His Accusers Stood Around Paul
The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 25 Verse 17 thru 21
13 When a few days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus. 14 Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man here left in custody by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.16 I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge. 17 So when (they) came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. 19 Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. 20 Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges. 21 And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
In Acts 25:17-21, we observe a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul’s life as he stands before Festus, the Roman Governor, to defend himself against accusations stemming from his faith in Christ. The circumstances surrounding Paul’s judicial trial are rife with tension and hostility, yet he illustrates a profound lesson about the nature of surrendering to God’s will. When we yield our lives to God, we become vessels of His strength and grace, enabling us to confront even our fiercest adversaries with confidence and joy.
As Paul articulates his defense, he is not justifying himself; instead, he is testifying to the truth of the Gospel amidst opposition. His unwavering spirit is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within him. This same Spirit empowers believers today to face accusations, doubts, and fears with grace and poise. When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead our lives, we can experience a joy that transcends our circumstances, equipping us to stand firm in our faith.
Moreover, Paul’s calm demeanor serves as a reminder that our battles are not merely physical or ideological but spiritual. Each time we choose to surrender to God’s will, we fortify our trust in His divine purpose, which can provide us with supernatural joy even in trying times. This joy becomes a beacon, drawing others to the hope we possess in Christ.
In moments of trial or persecution, remember that you are not alone. The presence of the Holy Spirit within you offers peace, joy, and the courage to stand boldly for your faith. Embrace this divine assurance, and trust that with God’s will as your anchor, you can face anyone unflinchingly. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
05-22-2026 Acts 25 V1721
**His Accusers Stood Around Paul**
In the hall of justice, where truth must light,
Paul stood before rulers; the day turned to night.
Accused and alone, of deeds they declare,
He faced the assembly with courage and care.
Festus, the governor, with power in hand,
Called for a gathering, to meet his demand.
“Bring forth this man, for accusations arise,
A tale of rebellion beneath Roman skies.”
In chains but unbroken, tall stood the apostle,
His heart filled with faith, though trials were fossil.
“Not guilty,” he claimed of the charges unfound,
He spoke of his mission, in grace he was bound.
“To Jerusalem,” they said, “Let him be sent,
To face judgment there,” their harsh intent.
But Paul, wise and steadfast, discerned their scheme,
An appeal to Caesar, he boldly did dream.
So he stood for the truth that his heart understood,
In the midst of deceit, he was faithful and good.
In the plan of the Lord, his journey unfurled,
A witness for hope, bringing light to the world.
Through trials and tribulations, God’s promise held fast,
For the seeds of the Gospel would soar free at last.
In the court of the mighty, he stood firm and true,
A testament of faith, shining brightly anew. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
May 22, 2026 @ 04:33 AM EST
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**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using GodFirstforJesus@gmail.com, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**
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