Paul’s Trial before Festus and his Appeal to Caesar

Acts 25:1–12
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At the beginning of this chapter, we find Festus, the new governor, coming into power (v. 1). Felix had been recalled to Rome in disgrace. Festus was a much stronger leader, but he only served two years before dying in office. Ananias took the opportunity to get rid of Paul (vv. 2-3). When Festus visited Jerusalem, the Jewish religious leaders requested that Paul be returned to Jerusalem for trial. They planned to kill him before he arrived. But God was watching over Paul, and Festus didn’t agree to their proposition (v. 4). Instead, Festus invited them to send a delegation to him in Caesarea with their formal complaint against Paul (v. 5). Once again Paul was put on trial (v. 6), and the Jewish leaders falsely accused him (v. 7). Paul stated that he had not broken the Law of his people and that he had not done anything against either the temple or the emperor (v. 8). 

Festus, wanting to please the Jews, proposed that Paul should return to Jerusalem to stand trial (v. 9), but Paul reminded Festus that Caesarea was the proper place for the trial (v. 10). Fearing that Festus was anxious to make concessions to the Jews and that his trial would no longer be conducted impartially, he appealed to Caesar (v. 11). The right of appeal was an ancient and cherished right of Roman citizens. It could be invoked after a verdict had been given by a lower official, or earlier in the proceedings, as in Paul’s case. It guaranteed that the investigation would be transferred directly to Rome and the verdict would be made by the emperor himself. Now Festus had no alternative, as no lower official could refuse an appeal like this. The fateful words had been spoken, an appeal of a Roman citizen to Caesar, and Festus dared not ignore them. “Unto Caesar shalt thou go,” he said at last (v. 12). It seems that this was God’s will for Paul and His way of taking him to Rome (Romans 1:10).

Application

When things are not going the way I would like, I have the right to appeal, but never to demand. My attitude is more important than whether my preference is denied, or my rights are violated. Once I make my appeal, I need to rest it with the Lord regardless of what happens. (Romans 8:28).