The Book of Acts

Paul Appears Before Festus

Acts 25:1-22 _NLT

“Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul.” _{(vv. 1-2)}

                  The Jewish leaders had approached Festus on his first day in Jerusalem in an attempt to take advantage of the new governor’s inexperience with the area and the people. While Festus wanted to appease the Jews, he decided to make his decision based on politics, rather than law. This was necessary in his mind because the unsubstantiated accusations by the Jews against Paul were not against any Roman law, but theological in nature. Paul, a Roman citizen, sought to be tried in a Roman court, rather than in front of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. 

                  The Jewish leaders implored Festus to move Paul to Jerusalem where he could stand trial before the Sanhedrin. Their plan was again to attempt an ambush along the way so as to kill the apostle. Although Festus had no desire to upset the Jews, he was torn between Roman law and Jewish religious law. He decided Caesarea was a suitable place to try the case as Paul was already there. His decision became galvanized when Paul appealed his case to Caesar. That settled that. Festus would allow Paul to be seen by Herod Agrippa II, who was son of Herod Agrippa I, and a descendant of Herod the Great. Agrippa was of Jewish descent, so Festus felt he could help clarify Paul’s case. 

Agrippa came to visit Festus in Caesarea with his sister Bernice. Things are not always as they appear. Bernice had married her uncle Herod Chalcis yet became mistress to her own brother Agrippa II and also to emperor Vespasian’s* son Titus. She was very much of an immoral woman who did exactly as she pleased with no regard for social mores.

When speaking with Agrippa II, Governor Festus laid out the case the Jewish leaders had against Paul. Agrippa expressed a keen interest in meeting and speaking with Paul himself. Festus informed him that he would get the opportunity the very next day. This was not at all going the way the Jewish leaders had hoped; however, God moves throughout one’s life as he so chooses, and this is how he was leading Paul.  He wanted the apostle to preach to the Romans. Little did Paul realize he would be preaching to those in the Roman government. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament

* Titus Flavius Vespasianus was emperor of Rome from 69 to 79 A.D. and the architect of the Flavian Dynasty. A favorite of the Roman army, he became emperor after the death of Nero in 68 A.D..