Paul’s Trial Before Festus
Acts 25:1-12
Governor Felix has been succeeded by Porcius Festus. Felix left Paul in jail because he didn’t know what to do with him. Festus is now in charge of Paul. The first thing Festus does is to go from Caesarea to Jerusalem to get information about the charges against Paul. The Jews asked Festus to do them a favor by transferring Paul back to Jerusalem so they could ambush and kill him along the way. Festus did not agree to the ambush.
During the trial, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem with Festus brought serious charges against Paul that they could not prove. Paul insisted he had done nothing wrong against the Jews, against the temple or against Caesar (Acts 25:8).
Festus asked Paul if he wanted to go up to Jerusalem and stand charges. He wanted to do the Jews a favor by asking him that. Paul said he was where he should be tried. He stated he had done nothing wrong and he appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:10-11). Festus accepted Paul’s appeal. As a Roman citizen, Paul had every right to appeal. That means he would have to go to Rome for another trial.
Questions
1. Paul was under Felix’s authority. Why is he now under the authority of Festus?
2. List the three things Paul said he had done nothing against.
3. Why did Paul appeal to Caesar? What did that mean?
Festus Consults King Agrippa
Acts 25:13-22
King Agrippa and his sister Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay respects to Festus. While they were there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. Festus was very detailed about the charges and what he had found out since Felix turned Paul over to him. What he said is in Acts 25:14-21. After hearing this, Agrippa said he would like to hear Paul for himself. Paul is brought before Agrippa.
Festus stated he was sending Paul to Rome since he had appealed to Caesar. Festus said he had nothing definite to write in a letter to the Emperor about Paul. Festus needed advice from the assembly and especially from Agrippa about what to write about Paul.
Questions
1. List the three officials in order that Paul has been brought before since he has been in prison.
2. What three things did Paul insist he had done nothing against?
|
|
