The Book of Acts Chapter 25
Originally posted
Acts Chapter 25:1-12 Paul
Appeals to Caesar
Porcius
Festus arrived in Caesarea in 59/60 CE as the successor of Antonius Felix
(1). He had the misfortune of
inheriting the beginnings of widespread unrest in Palestine, much of which was
the result of his oppressive predecessor, Felix. The unrest would ultimately
lead to the Jewish war against Rome in 66 CE, an event Festus would not live to
see. He died in 62 CE, two years after his arrival.
He
also inherited Paul, still waiting to be heard regarding the charges first
brought by the Temple authorities. Festus' first act was to visit
Jerusalem, more as an introduction call than for official business. While
there the Temple leaders told him of their lingering case against Paul. They
urged him to have Paul transferred to their jurisdiction in Jerusalem. Luke
writes that they had planned a second time to ambush and kill him should Festus
agree to their request. He may have understood the inflammatory nature of
having Paul in Jerusalem where violence might erupt. This was not the way he
wanted to begin his time as their Governor. Instead he offered them an
opportunity to come to Caesarea to present their accusations.
For
a second time Paul faced his accusers before a Roman judge. They brought their
charges but, as before offered no convincing proof. Paul, pointing to the
shabby nature of the charges, repeated his simple, self confident defense.
He has not committed any offense against the law, the Temple or the Emperor. As
something of a compromise and perhaps as a favor to his new subjects, the Jews,
Festus offers Paul the possibility of going to Jerusalem where he would still
be tried by Festus. Paul sees nothing good or of fairness coming from such a
change in venue. His only chance for justice will be before the Emperor's
tribunal in Caesarea. He knows he has done nothing wrong. He deserves justice
even if that justice condemns him. Instead of choosing Jerusalem he
exercises his right as a citizen of the Empire, He appeals to Caesar and it
will be to Caesar that he will go.
Acts Chapter 25:13-22 Festus
Consults King Agrippa II
Not
too long after Festus had settled in he received an
official welcoming visit from King Herod Agrippa II (grandson of Herod the
Great) and his "beloved" sister, Bernice (2). They also had a residence in Caesarea, and another in
Jerusalem. During their stay in the city Festus took the opportunity to discuss
Paul's case. He reviewed all the events of his own visit to Jerusalem, the
complaints made against Paul by the Temple leadership and his offer to have
them come to Caesarea to be heard. It was there that he realized the charges
were not a matter of Roman law but related to "certain points of
disagreement" regarding the Jewish religion and a man named Jesus who
had been crucified but, according to Paul, was still alive. Rather than be
returned to Jerusalem for a new trial Paul had decided to appeal to the
Emperor so he was being kept in custody until Festus could transport him to
Rome.
Agrippa
would not have been ignorant of the events in Jerusalem or of the standing of
the Christian movement in Palestine. His father had been involved in the
persecution of the early Christian leaders. Paul would have been well known to
him. Even though Agrippa was a secular Jew he wielded significant authority
over the Temple and its priestly leadership. That leadership would have kept
Agrippa well informed of any matter which would have involved the Romans. He
would take this opportunity to question Paul himself.
Acts Chapter 25:23-27 Paul
Brought Before Agrippa and Bernice
On
the following day Agrippa and Bernice arrived with all the pomp and ceremony
accorded to their royal position, accompanied by Roman officers and city
officials. Festus introduced Paul to the assembled dignitaries, rehearsing the
main points of his own observations regarding the case against him. After
hearing from Paul and the Jerusalem representatives he had concluded there was
nothing upon which to base any charges or to render a judgment, certainly
not Paul's death for which the Jews had vociferously clamored. However,
because Paul had appealed to Caesar, he felt compelled to send him.
Festus' dilemma is the lack of a specific charge. It would be
inappropriate to send Paul to Caesar without a reason. Festus' hope is that
through further questioning of Paul by Agrippa and the city officials he would
have something concrete to write as justification for sending Paul.
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Notes:
(1) The arrival of Festus
provides us with a date marker for Paul's hearing. Church historical writings
give a date inconsistent with both Jewish and Roman records. The best indicator
for 60 CE is Josephus' mention of his two year reign and a firm
date for his successor Albinus in 62 CE. Also there was a new coin
issued in Judea in October, 59 CE which indicates the installing of a new
Procurator. From Josephus' comments Festus is seen in a positive light in
comparison with his predecessor, Felix. He was active in subduing a number of
brigands (robber gangs) establishing a degree of order in Palestine and fair in
the judging of cases brought before him. This is consistent with Luke's
description of his dealing with Paul's case.
(2) Agrippa II was the
last of the Herodian Kings. He died childless in 100 CE. During his reign as
King he eventually ruled over a territory fully as large as his
Grandfather Herod the Great's kingdom. Josephus reports that he was successful
in having full possession of the High Priest's robes and regalia returned
to the High Priest rather than being held by the Procurator.
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