Acts 25

Vs. 1-12 Paul Appeals to Caesar

Porcius Festus was appointed as procurator of by around 60 CE and under Festus the politics of the region shifted. Festus was a cunning man. His administration was characterized by fairness toward the – especially when compared to Felix.

Among ’s priestly elite nothing much has changed over 2 years. They still continue to plot to assassinate Paul but using Festus now instead of Felix.

Festus is cautious in his dealing with the leadership in Jerusalem since Paul is a Roman citizen.

Just three days after arriving in Caesarea, Festus takes off for Jerusalem. In Jerusalem the chief priests and Jewish leaders tell him all about Paul and request that Festus transfer him to that city. Festus says no but send your leaders with authority to me in Caesarea and they can present your case.

Once Paul is before him in Caesarea Luke has Paul add to his original defense by adding that he has done nothing against the emperor as well. Festus throws a bone to the Jews and asks if Paul wants to go to Jerusalem for his trial. Paul responds with an appeal to be tried by the emperor’s tribunal – Paul’s right as a Roman citizen. This whole section is to prepare for Paul’s request – to go before the emperor. The charge of sedition against the empire is the most important charge brought against Paul; therefore it is appropriate that the emperor himself should hear the case.

Vs. 13-27

King Agrippa and Bernice arrive. King Agrippa is the Palestinian ruler and Bernice is his sister. They are members of the Herodian family whose reign during the days of and his apostolic successors was known for its brutal repression of the faith.

Vs. 13-22 are a confidential conversation between Festus, Agrippa and Bernice. Festus is clever. He uses the opportunity to firm up his political relationship with the king and his wife. They are secular Jews and of course Festus is a pagan.

The outsiders – that is these Roman rulers get what the Jewish leaders do not – that there is no case against Paul.

Paul’s appearance before Agrippa and Bernice is staged and crafted for maximum impact. Festus’s second speech (vs. 24-27) publicly reviews Paul’s case. Once more Festus declares Paul innocent. Festus would like to appease the Jews by finding Paul guilty, but he cannot because of Paul’s citizenship. He therefore is depending on Agrippa to find some guilt or declare Paul innocent. Thus taking the political heat off Festus.

To be continued…