College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Acts 25:6-12
e.
Paul's trial, defence and appeal to Caesar. Acts 25:6 b - Acts 25:12.
he went down unto Caesarea; and on the morrow he sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded Paul to be brought.
And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove;
while Paul said in his defence, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all.
But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
But Paul said, I am standing before Caesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest.
If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if none of those things is true whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Thou hast appealed unto Caesar: unto Caesar shalt thou go.
Acts 25:6 b Festus was as good as his word. It was not more than eight or ten days until he went to Caesarea. On the very next day after his arrival he heard the case of Paul.
Once again the apostle was called from his prison room to make his defense. Note: He had appeared in the last two years before the following:
(1)
The mob on the steps of the Tower of Antonia.
(2)
The Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.
(3)
Before Felix.
(4)
Before Felix again in an unofficial manner.
(5)
Now before Festus.
(6)
He is yet to appear before king Agrippa.
This all afforded a wonderful opportunity to preach the word, which opportunity Paul used, but it was also a bit wearying and it must have been not a little exasperating as to result.
927.
Name three of the six persons or groups before whom Paul had been tried in the last two years.
Acts 25:7-11 There was no Roman orator this time. All the Jews gathered round Paul and after the Jewish manner began to accuse him of many grievous charges. Luke evidently was an eye-witness of this event and he adds that proof for the charges was entirely lacking. What were the charges brought? This can be answered from the thoughts of the reply Paul gave. These charges had to do with:
(1)
Sin against the law (being a Nazarene)
(2)
Sin against the Jews (a pestilent fellow)
(3) Sin against the temple (attempting to profane it)
(4) Sin against Caesar (stirring up an insurrection)
The same charges of two years ago. They had not forgotten one of them. But they had no more proof this time than they had before. Festus could see that there was no real purpose in holding this man longer, but if he could be used to an advantage for his political prestige, then he would do so. The question Festus asked was asked only that he might obtain the favor of the Jews present. Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things before me?
928.
What is different about this trial from the first one that Paul had here?
929.
What is alike in the two trials?
It is even doubtful that Festus would have taken Paul to Jerusalem for judgment, but then to please the Jews he said this and possibly to hear the reaction of the apostle. He was hardly prepared for what he heard. Paul was not going to be sacrificed for the desires of a selfish local official, especially when there was a way of securing at least a measure of justice. Paul said in thought: No, I will not go to Jerusalem. I am to be judged and I am standing right where this should be carried out. Why go to Jerusalem? I could only stand before Jews there. I have done them no harm, as you very well know. Now if I were a criminal or even a murderer, I would refuse not to die; but if all the charges are lies I utterly refuse to be used as a means to further your evil ends, You will not deliver me into the bloody hands of the Jews. I appeal to Caesar!
These words did not at all please Festus. This was a poor beginning for his governorship. He was taken aback. This was the first such case he had dealt with. What shall I do? He turned to his counselors for an answer. There was only one thing to do. It was the right of every Roman citizen to make such an appeal. Although it was going over his head as a judge, Festus could only say: Thou hast appealed unto Caesar. Unto Caesar shalt thou go.
930.
Why did Festus ask the question about trial in Jerusalem?
931.
Do you believe Paul was justified in appealing to Caesar?
932.
Why did this appeal displease Festus?