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THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
[“Appeal to Caesar”]
Key word: Charges
AC25:1 Now when Festus arrived in the province three days later he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
AC25:2 It was at this time that the high priest and the Jewish elders informed him of the case1049
and pleaded with him against Paul.
AC25:3 They
wanted a favor from Festus so that he would bring Paul to Jerusalem while they laid in ambush to kill him.
AC25:4 However, Festus responded that Paul should remain in Caesarea and that he expected to go to there soon.
AC25:5 He said: “Let those who are able go down with me and bring charges against this man if he has done any wrong.”
1049 The case: Two years have passed and they still want Paul dead.
AC25:6 After spending about ten days among them Festus went down to Caesarea. On the next day he took his seat on the judgment bench and commanded Paul be brought before him. AC25:7 Now when Paul made his appearance the Jews also came down from Jerusalem and surrounded him. They brought many serious charges against Paul which they were unable to prove.
AC25:8 Now Paul in his defense said: “I have not committed any offense against the Law of the Jews – either against their Temple, or against Caesar.”
AC25:9 But, Festus, wishing to gain the favor of the Jews, answered Paul: “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there go on trial before me?”
AC25:10 It was then that Paul said: “I stand before Caesar’s judgment-seat where I should be judged. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you are well aware.
AC25:11 For if I were a criminal, or done anything worthy of death, I would be willing to die. However, if none of these things are true, what is their charge against me? No one will every turn me over to them! I appeal to Caesar!”1050
AC25:12 Then
when Festus had consulted with his own advisers, answered: “Do you appeal to Caesar? Then to Caesar you will go!”
1050 I appeal to Caesar: The right of a Roman citizen.
AC25:13 Some days later king Agrippa and Bernice1051
arrived in Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
AC25:14a Now after they had been there many days, Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying:
1051 Bernice: Born about 28 AD, she was the sister of Herod living incestuously with him. She later became the mistress of emperor Titus.
AC25:14b “There is a certain man here that Festus left in the custody of Felix. AC25:15 Regarding him, when I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and Jewish elders brought charges against him, demanding a condemnation against him. AC25:16 My answer to them was: It is not the Roman custom to deliver a man to death before he has had the opportunity to face his accusers, and thus to have the chance to defend himself regarding the accusations brought against him. AC25:17 So without any delay when they gathered together the next day I sat in judgment and demanded the man be brought before me. AC25:18 Now when the accusers presented their case, they were unable to establish any of the charges against him, just as I suspected. AC25:19 However, there were particular questions against him regarding their own religion, concerning a certain Jesus who died, though Paul insisted was now alive. AC25:20 Now because I had great misgivings about these issues, I asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and there be put on trial regarding these matters. AC25:21 However, when Paul entered his appeal, he reserved the right to a hearing by the August One [Nero], and it was then I commanded he remain in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”
AC25:22 Then Agrippa responded to Festus: “I would also like to hear this man myself.” Festus answered: “Tomorrow you shall hear him.” AC25:23 So the next day when Agrippa arrived with Bernice amidst great pomp and ceremony, they entered the court with the military tribunes and important men of the city. At the command of Festus Paul was brought before them all. AC25:24 Then Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all you men present here with us, you behold this man, regarding whom the whole crowd of Jews, both in Jerusalem and here, keep insisting that he ought to be put to death. AC25:25 However, I discovered that he had done nothing worthy of death, and that he had also appealed to the August One [Nero]. So I have decided to send him to Caesar. AC25:26 Regarding him I have nothing certain to write to my Lord. Therefore, I have brought him before you – and particularly you, O king Agrippa – so that after your examination, I might have something to write. AC25:27 For it seems unreasonable to send a prisoner without stating the precise charges against him.”
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Nazarene Commentary 2000© Mark Heber Miller ©2000 All Rights Reserved |
