Apostel Paul Before Governor Festus
Governor Festus goes up from Caesarea to Jerusalem to meet with the religious leaders of the Jews.
“Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.”
Acts 25:1
There, they renewed their accusations against Apostle Paul before Festus.
“Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him.”
Acts 25:2
Additionally, they were so bold and focused on destroying Paul that they made a dark request of the governor.
“And desired [favor] against [Paul], that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.”
Acts 25:3
How Festus’ Command Changed History
They requested of Governor Festus that he should command that Apostle Paul be transported from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
They wanted to ambush him, as he made the journey, and kill him.
But he refused. Even this simple action was divinely inspired. God was working through Festus and the Jews to accomplish His will.
“But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.”
Acts 25:4
However, he didn’t stop there for he invited the Jewish leaders in sv rolex datejust 41mm m126301 0007 mens stainless steel Jerusalem to visit Caesarea and accuse Apostle Paul there before him.
“Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him” (Acts 25:5).
Acts 25:5
Governor Festus on the Judgment Seat
Will they accept his offer? Let’s continue reading to discover this!
“And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.”
Acts 25:6
This is Festus’ first meeting with Apostle Paul. And as a judge of the people, he commanded him to brought before the Judgment Seat!
And of course, the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem came down to Caesarea. They came to accuse Paul before Governor Festus.
“And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.”
Acts 25:7
This is a popular saying, that he who has himself as his own defense is a fool. But Apostle Paul was no fool.
Governor Porcius Festus Was Not Uncertain!
Listen to Paul as he functions as his own lawyer.
“While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended [anything] at all.”
Acts 25:8
Do you recall the Jews’ initial accusations against him? They claimed that Paul was guilty of four crimes.
But Paul’s own words contradicted them. And they were unable to prove their claims against him.
“But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, [Will] thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?”
Acts 25:9
Recall that earlier, Governor Festus had refused the Jews’ request to move Paul to Jerusalem.
Therefore, in the scripture immediately above, he “willing to do the Jews a pleasure” indicates that he had no intention of honoring that promise but he only said it to please or amuse the Jews.
This doesn’t indicate that Governor Porcius Festus was uncertain. Instead, he was having fun at the Jews expense.
Apostle Paul – His Own Lawyer
But Apostle Paul didn’t know that because he wasn’t in Jerusalem when the Jews made the request. He was ignorant of it.
Again, in this, the Lord God’s will must be accomplished!
“Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.”
Acts 25:10
This remark made by Governor Festus, in jest, turned the tides for Apostle Paul.
Because the Lord is God and His will must be done Apostle Paul refused to be moved to Jerusalem.
Instead, he appealed to Caesar.
“For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.”
Acts 25:11
Since he appealed to Caesar, then according to Roman Law, the Governor must present him to Caesar.
“Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar[;] unto Caesar shalt thou go”[?]
Acts 25:12
CONCLUSION
Even Apostle Paul, with all his vast knowledge of the Scriptures and with his experience with the Lord God, was unaware that everything that he did brought him one step closer to doing the will of God for his life.
Earlier, in his life, then he was Saul of Tarsus, he persecuted the Church.
This he did because its Believers called on the name of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, the Lord God decided that as his punishment for that wrong he would preach Jesus Christ. He would proclaim the same name he had opposed.
Additionally, the Lord decided that he would preach Christ to the same people who were his accomplish when he persecuted the Christians, the Jews.
Then, He sent Paul to those who knew not God, the Gentiles, and to leaders.
Thus, Apostle Paul had those experiences and he is about to stand before the king. He must preach Jesus Christ to Gentiles and to kings and governors and leaders.
What Will Your Excuse Be?
Because later, in judgment, when these leaders stand before the Lord Jesus Christ, they will have no excuse.
They cannot say, I never heard of Jesus Christ because Apostle Paul made sure that they did.
He preached that he is the only begotten Son of God to them. Those who believed will inherit eternal life with the Lord.
Finally, how about you? Have you believed in Jesus Christ? Have you made him king of your life?
If not, you too will not have any excuse because you read this word.
But if yes, grow in the knowledge of God and Christ and teach others about him!
Updated:-2022-12-24
