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                                                                                     Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                     PART XV - VII 

 "Last night, I, Paul was told that in the morning I would be taken to the audition room at Governor Festus's palace here in Caesarea... I had not been in that room before... I usually get taken to the court room... It does not really matter to me where I will be taken... I know one thing... Wherever I am.... Be it in prison... Be it in a court room.... Or be it in an audition room.... I am to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to whomever will be present... This morning I was indeed taken to the audition room at the palace of Governor Festus.... Many important people were present... I noticed Agrippa and his wife Bernice.... There were leading men of the city as well.... Governor Festus was the first to speak... He told the audience that I have many enemies who want me dead.... Not only in Jerusalem... But here in Caesarea...Governer Festus then continued by stating that he does not believe I deserve to die... He ended his speech by saying that he was planning to send me to Rome.... But he did not know how to present my case to Ceasar."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Governor Festus' speech before king Agrippa and Bernice as well as other officials....

 

 

                      ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                        PART XXV - VII

As Governor Festus had said to king Agrippa, the next day Paul was brought before the King in the audience room at the palace in Caesarea as you can read in Acts 25:23

The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

It was then time for Governor Festus to speak as you can read in Acts 25:24

Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer."

Governor Festus began his speech by explaining that this prisoner Paul had many accusers not just in Jerusalem, but even in Caesarea. And all these accusers wanted Paul to die. However, Festus did not agree with these accusers as you can read in Acts 25:25

"I found he had done nothing deserving death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome."

However, Festus did not know on what basis he should send Paul to Rome as you can read in Acts 25:26

"But I have nothing definite to write to his Majesty about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation, I may have something to write."

Festus did not want to just write anything to the Emperor about this prisoner Paul. No, whatever he wrote about him had to be true. And the reality was he did not have anything concrete to write to the Emperor about Paul. This, despite the fact, that he had heard many accusations against him. But none of them had made any sense whatsoever. And he was not willing to send Paul to Caesar without proper charges against him as you can read in Acts 25:27

"For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner without specifying the charges against him."

It is clear that to Festus Paul is a very challenging case. 

Read Part Twenty-Two HERE

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                 PART XXV - VI

"I, Paul, was told that Governor Fesus had informed his guest King Agrippa, who had come to Caesarea, about my appeal to Caesar.... I remember that moment very well... And I remember too that Governor Festus had told me he would send me to Caesar...It seems king Agrippa has become quite curious about my case.... The reason I think that is because he has asked Governor Festus if he can hear me... Governor Festus has agreed to have me appear before King Agrippa tomorrow... That may well be because he hopes that King Agrippa can help him make a final decision about me... But I know that any final decision about me is in God's hands... Regardless what these men decide about me.... I know too that I am to share the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ with whomever I can... Including King Agrippa.".... Please read the typed out attachment whern you will learn of Governor Festus's dilemma with regards this prisoner Paul...

                   ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                        PART XXV - VI

King Agrippa, who was visiting Governor Festus in Caesarea, continued to listen to him as Festus explained that Paul, in reply to his suggestion that he go back to Jerusalem, had asked to be send to Caesar as you can read in Acts 25:21

"When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperors decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar."

No doubt, Festus' story about Paul ignited some curiosity in King Agrippa so he suggested to Festus that he hear Paul for himself as you can read in Acts 25:22a

Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear this man myself."

Festus, very likely, was only too pleased that King Agrippa was willing to hear Paul for himself as you can read in Acts 25:22b

He replied, "Tomorrow you will hear him."

Perhaps King Agrippa could help him decide what to do with this prisoner Paul since Festus could not make up his mind how to solve this problem.

ReadPart Twenty-One HERE

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                     PART XXV -V

"I, Paul, learned that Governor Festus did indeed have a lengthy discussion about me with his guests.... He shared with them that he had been to Jerusalem to see the religious leaders.... And that he had talked with them about me... He shared as well that some of these religious leaders had then come back with him to Caesarea.... He, furthermore, told them that he had me appear before him.... And had my accusers bring their charges against me... And he explained to his guests that nothing he had heard from my accusers had made any sense to him... I learned as well that Governot Festus had told his visitors that he had asked me if I was willing to return to Jerusalem to face charges.... But I know that I should not return to Jerusalem... I am to go to Rome... And I am sure that God will make it possible for me to go there."..... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Governor Festus's continuing conversation with King Agrippa....

                     ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                            PART XXV - V

Governor Festus in Caesarea continued by sharing with his guest King Agrippa his reply to the religious leaders in Jerusalem as you can read in Acts 25:16

"I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges."

Governor Festus then told the King that these religious leaders had come back with him to Caesarea where they had been given opportunity to bring their complaints about Paul before the court as you can read in Acts 25:17

"When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in."

However, Governor Festus explained to King Agrippa that to his surprise these men were not able to make a case against Paul as you can read in Acts 25:18-19

"When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes, I had expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive."

Governort Festus then explained to King Agrippa that he could not make sense of these accusations as you can read in Acts 25:20

"I was at a loss how to investigate such matter, so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges."

Governor Festus was at a loss what to do with his prisoner Paul. That is why he came up with the suggestion that Paul go back to Jerusalem, not knowing that a plan has been put in place to have Paul killed if he was to return to Jerusalem.

Please read Part Twenty HERE

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 Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                     PART XXV - IV

"I, Paul, looked at Governor Festus.... He looked at me.... We were in the court room in Caesarea.... I had just told him I wanted to go before Caesar.... I then waited to hear his response.... Festus turned to his council.... And discussed with them what his answer should be... I trusted that God was leading him to tell me I should go to Caesar....That is indeed what happened....As soon as he finished talking with his council, Festus turned to me...And he declared that I would go to Caesar as requested....My heart was at peace.... I knew God was in control of the situation....Had He not told me that I was to testify about Him in Rome?....I was getting closer to that happening.... It may not happen as yet though.... Because I have heard that some important visitors have arrived in Caesarea.... He may want to discuss my case with them."... Please read the typed out attachment when Governor Festus received some important visitors...

                      ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                      PART XXV - IV

It is very clear that Paul, when in the court room in Caesarea, was in charge of the situation even though he was nothing more than a prisoner. After all, he knew that he was supposed to go to Rome for the Lord had told him that he was to go there. Having appealed to Caesar, Governor Festus accepted his appeal as you can read in Acts 25:12

After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go."

However, some visitors arrived in Caesarea and Governor Festus decided to discuss with them the situation with regards his prisoner Paul as you can read in Acts 25:13-15

A few days later king Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. He said: "There is a man whom Felix left as a prisoner. When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned."

Governor Festus thought it would be good to begin to share all the details of Paul's case with his visitors for perhaps they might be able to advise him how to handle this difficult situation.

Read Part Nineteen HERE

 

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                  PART XXV - III

"After I, Paul, had given my defense before Governor Festus in the court room here in Caesarea, I sat down... I then waited... It was time for Governor Festus to speak.... It did not take too long before he got up to address me... I sensed that he wanted to please the Jews who had come back with him to Caesarea.... For he asked if I would be willing to go back to Jerusalem to face charges... However, I knew I should not go back to Jerusalem... Because that would be too dangerous for me...That could only mean one thing.... It was time for me to appeal to Caesar... That is what I did.... I knew that meant I would be going to Rome... Does that mean it is now  time for me to go to Rome?"... Please read the typed out attachment when you learn that Paul appealed to Caesar...

                    ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                           PART XXV - III

Governor Festus, when back in Caesarea, knew that Paul was innocent and he should have released him, as Governor Felix should have done before him However, both governors wanted to win the favour of the Jews so neither of them did what was right. Instead, both continued to keep Paul as a prisoner. In the case of Governor Festus, he asked if Paul was willing to go back to Jerusalem to be tried there as you can read in Acts 25:9

Festus, whishing to do the Jews a favour, said to Paul: "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?"

Paul knew that he could not return to Jerusalem for if he did he would surely be killed. as you can read in Act 25:10

Paul answered: "I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done anything wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well."

Paul knew that he was innocent of the charges against him. Moreover, he knew that Governor Festus understood the Jews had no case against him. So he made it clear that, even though he was willing to die if it could be proven he had done something deserving death, he was not willing to be handed over to the Jews just for the sake of it. The only way that could be avoided was for him to appeal to Caesar as you can read in Acts 25:11

"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 true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!"

Paul knew that by appealing to Caesar Governor Festus would have to make a decision how that was going to happen. All he could do now was to wait for the outcome of that decision.

Read Part Eighteeen HERE

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                    PART XXV - II

"This morning I, Paul, was brought back into the court room here in Caesarea...I am getting to know this court room quite well... The first time I was brought here was when I was asked to defend myself before Governor Felix... I am quite sure that he knew I had not committed a crime... But he did not release me... That was two years ago.... Governor Felix is no longer in Caesarea..... He has been replaced by Governor Festus.... And Governor Festus ordered that I appear before him.. When I arrived at the court room I noticed a group of Jewish men... They had come all the way from Jerusalem... No doubt they had come to bring accusations against me.... I listened very carefully to their charges against me.... It seemed to me I had heard it all before...I was then asked to speak... And I did... I made it very clear that I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews.... Neither have I done anything wrong against the temple... Nor against Caesar....I then waited to hear Governor Festus's response to my words."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Paul's defense of himself before Governor Festus....

                 ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                     PART XXV - II

Governor Festus remained for some days in Jerusalem, no doubt, getting better acquainted with the Jewish religious leaders, before returning to Caesarea as you can read in Acts 25:6

After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him.

As soon as Governor Festus returned to Caesarea, he had Paul come before him so that the situation  with him could be resolved.

Governore Festus initially allowed the Jews who had come back with him to Caesarea to present their case against Paul as you can read in Acts 25:7

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.

These men were obviously very desperate for Paul to be considered a criminal by Governor Festus, so they made up a number of accusations, but none of them could be proven. It was then Paul's turn to speak as you can read in Acts 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."

Paul let Governor Festus know that these accusers had no case against him. Their accusations were nothing but empty words.

Read Part Seventeen HERE

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                    PART XXV - I

"I, Paul, heard that Governor Festus, who had replaced Governor Felix here in Caesarea, has gone to Jerusalem... The reason for his going there is to meet with the religious leaders.... I believe he has gone there to discuss my case with them... I would think the religious leaders will try and persuade him to send me back to Jerusalem...Very likely, they are planning to have me killed when I return.... I would think they may be preparing an ambush to kill me along the way... I am praying that God will use Governor Festus to keep me here in Caesarea....No doubt, he will be returning soon to Caesarea....He may ask the religious leaders to come with him.... And to present their case against me here in Caesarea.... However, I know that my life is in God's hands... I am, therefore, entirely safe... Perhaps Govenor Festus will send me to Rome one day."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Governor Festus's visit to Jerusalem....

                   ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                          PART XXV - I

Very soon after his arrival in Caesarea, Governor Festus, knowing about Paul's case, travelled to Jerusalem from Caesarea to meet with the religious leaderd as you can read in Acts 25:1-2

Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul.

These religious leaders were as intent as ever to have Paul brough back to Jerusalem, to have him killed, as you can read in Acts 25:3

They urgently requested Festus, as a favour to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

Thankfully, Governor Festus did not give in to their request, not knowing, of course, that he thereby spared Paul's life as you can read in Acts 25:45

Festus asnwered. "Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong."

Governor Festus did not allow himself to be pressurised by the religous leaders to hand Paul over to them. Instead, he invited them to come to Caesarea to present their case before him. 

Read Part Sixteen HERE

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Read Part One HERE

A WALK  TROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                 PART XXIV - VII

"I, Paul, have had many opportunities to come before Governor Felix here in Caesarea.... And I have used all these opportunities for one thing... To preach to him the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ.... Felix may have wanted to speak to me in order for me to offer him a bribe... So that he could set me free... His motives are of no importance to me... I know that Felix greatest need is salvation.... It does not matter that he is a high ranking official in the Roman Empire.... And that I am only a prisoner... He is still a very lost person as far as God is concerned.... That is why I presented the Gospel to him time and time again... I have now been in prison in Caesarea for the last two years.... I know that I am supposed to go to Rome.... However, I am not released as yet....God must still have other people for me to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ here in Caesarea.... As a matter of fact, I have just learned that Governor Felix is going to be replaced by Governor Festus.... No doubt, I will meet him one of these days.. I am sure God will give me opportunity to preach the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ to him.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Paul's continuing stay in prison in Caesarea....

                   ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                      PART XXIV - VII

Paul knew that the reason God had allowed him to come before Governor Felix here in the court room in Caesarea was so that he could preach the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ to him so he went ahead and spoke of eternal matters with Governor Felix. The governor may have been a high ranking official in the Roman Empire and he, Paul, was nothing more than a prisoner, but Paul recognised only two groups of people; those who belonged to Christ and those who did not yet belong to Christ as you can read in 2 Corinthians 5:16a

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldy point of view...."

As for Governor Felix, though he was was interested to hear what Paul had to say, at the same time he was afraid of what he said so he would only listen up to a point. But he never came to a decision as to what to do with what Paul had shared with him. Moreover, he seemed to have some ulterior motives to have Paul come before him as you can read in Acts 24:26

At the same time he (Felix) was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

Governor Felix knew that Paul's freedom was in his hands so he hoped that Paul would buy his freedom. However, Paul would not do such a thing for he knew that his life was in God's hands and that his freedom did not depend on the governor. He knew too that, whether he was in prison or out of prison, he was to share the Gospel with people.

After two years, Felix was replaced by a new governor as you can read in Acts 24:27

When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favour to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Felix's time as governor was up and he was replaced by Governor Porcius Festus. However, Paul remained in prison. But he would have remembered the Lord's words to him that he was to go to Rome so he knew that one day he would leave the prison, he just did not know when exactly that was going to happen. Perhaps the new governor would sent him on to Rome.....

Read Part Fifteen HERE