Citizens seldom realize how busy their leaders are. Think of a president or a premier. People see them on TV or at functions and think their life is glamourous. Yet few are aware of their schedule each day. I recall a South African president saying he works 18 hours a day. I am sure this is true of most leaders throughout the world. It was not different with Porcius Festus in the First Century. Just because he was appointed governor over Judaea did not mean this would be an easy life for him. When you read—
Ac 25:6 After spending eight or ten days with them
—it does not mean they took him to the Jordan River’s luxury resorts, to the Sea of Galilee to fish or to other historical sites. He spent this week and a half engaging them about Jewish affairs. Although politically Rome was in charge, the Sanhedrin ran their own affairs where it came to religion, culture and morals. So the new governor would want to be brought up to speed as to the general climate surrounding the people he had charge over. After this period he returned to Caesarea … he went down to Caesarea. Please read:
Ac 25:6 and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7 When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove. 8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” 9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?” 10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”
1) Naturally, as with many other Bible passages, everything that happened is not recorded because the Spirit who inspired, did not deem everything necessary to be included in Scripture. I love the way the apostle John put it about Jesus:
Jn 21:25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Only what is necessary for salvation and godly living has been included … and this includes the Book of Acts.
2) Paul in court before Festus.
Ac 25:6 and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7 When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove.
The Jews were there because of Festus’ invitation. He had said they could bring their charges. Whether these included the original charges that failed to convince the than governor, Felix some two years before or not we don’t know. What we do know though is that is that these Jews …
(i) Surrounded Paul. It seems as though this was an act of intimidation.
(ii) They brought serious charges against Paul. The word “serious” in the context means “weighty” as in of “great momentum” relating to the precepts of the Law.
(iii) They could neither prove nor demonstration credible evidence that Paul committed any of the charges they brought against him. Once again this reminds us that as Christians we are not permitted to fabricate stories (evidence) against anyone. At all times our yes must be yes and our no, no. Maybe the reason for their intimidation of Paul was because their charges were not true.
3) Paul seeking to prove himself innocent.
(1) He declares he is innocent. As a Christian and a Roman Citizen he says he is not guilty of three charges, likely included in the “serious charges” of verse 7.
Ac 25:8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
He declares innocence with regard any crime against the Law of the Jews. This means, as related to the Scriptures. Secondly he declares innocence of any crime against the temple of the Jews. Remember, this was the most holy of places for the Jew because God was present in the Holy of Holies. (That is, at least until the curtain was torn at Jesus death and access to God was available to everyone who believed, wherever they were. Although it was long past this event, the temple was still standing.) Thirdly he declares himself innocent of any crime against the Roman Emperor, Caesar.
4) Festus seems to be influenced by the Jewish leaders. Like Felix, he wants to be on the favorable side of the Jews. Remember they laid charges against Felix.
Ac 25:9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
Why would Paul be so naïve and agree to travel to his death? He knew of their plan to kill him:
Ac 25:3 They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.
We know Paul was not afraid of dying for the Gospel … but God’s will for him was that he be in Rome and proclaim Jesus Christ there to those of high rank, maybe even Caesar himself.
5) As a Roman Citizen Paul states his answer to Festus’ suggestion.
Ac 25:10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”
(1) Paul declares that he rightly stands in Caesar’s Court on trial and as a citizen of the Empire this is where he ought to be tried.
(2) He repeats his innocence and as he gauged Festus himself was in agreement that he was innocent.
(3) As a faithful believer he says that if he committed a crime worthy of death he was prepared to die for it.
(4) He then challenges the unreliable charges and evidence against him. He knew they were untrue and did Festus, yet Festus wanted to be seen on the Jews side.
(5) Paul realized that Festus had the final authority. He could not inform him of the Jews plot to kill him whilst traveling back to Jerusalem with them, as he himself could not prove it beyond hear say.
(6) His only option as a Roman Citizen was to appeal to be heard by the emperor, Caesar.
(7) Festus’ advisory council. This was normal for a governor to seek advice about a case. However it was not about Paul’s innocence. It seems as though he had their support.
What surprised them was Paul’s call to be heard by Caesar. This meant the question about returning to Jerusalem was sorted out. They approved his request saying … “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!” Remember again that God is sovereign and His will must be accomplished. Paul’s response must be seen as a strategic move prompted by the Spirit of God.
Our Father, as our life develops day by day, working out Your will for ourselves, help us to choose Your way when confronted by comfort, pleasure or evil. Amen.