Festus Consults Agrippa
July 25, 2020
Commentary
Festus was in a difficult position. He knew that Paul was innocent. Festus could have set Paul free with a promise to stay away from Jerusalem and Judea in the future. He could have given him a military escort to the boarder. But Paul had appealed to Caesar, and so Festus had to write a report explaining Paul’s case to Caesar. Festus situation was relieved somewhat by a visit from King Herod Agrippa II and his sister Bernice. Agrippa ruled over an insignificant kingdom to the north and east of Caesarea, known as Caesarea Philippi (v. 13). He was the son of the Herod who had arrested Peter and murdered James (Acts 12). He was living with his own sister Bernice who had been married to his dead uncle. Bernice was also a sister of Drusilla, the wife of Felix. Festus, knowing Agrippa had the most intimate knowledge of Jewish faith and practice, welcomed the opportunity to share Paul’s case with him (vv. 14-22).
Paul, chained to a Roman soldier, abandoned by the Jerusalem Church, and frail in bodily appearance (II Cor. 10:10) was brought before Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice (v. 23). Festus then told King Agrippa and other guests that Jews from Jerusalem and Caesarea had come to him demanding that Paul be put to death (v. 24). “I have not found him guilty of any crime deserving death. But because he has asked to be judged by the Emperor, I have decided to send him to Rome” (v. 25). It was evident that Paul was innocent according to Roman laws. But Paul didn’t complain about his unfair situation. He made the most of the situation, to serve the Lord and share Him with others. Our problems may be opportunities in disguise.
Application
Like the apostle Paul, I would like for any problems that I may have in life to be turned into opportunities to share the gospel and to reach out to others in need. My situations in life may change but each change will provide new opportunities, and I want to use these for His glory.
Acts 25:13– 27 (NET)
13 After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 While they were staying there many days, Festus explained Paul’s case to the king to get his opinion, saying, “There is a man left here as a prisoner by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me about him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had met his accusers face-to-face and had been given an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation. 17 So after they came back here with me, I did not postpone the case, but the next day I sat on the judgment seat and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When his accusers stood up, they did not charge him with any of the evil deeds I had suspected. 19 Rather they had several points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a man named Jesus who was dead, whom Paul claimed to be alive. 20 Because I was at a loss how I could investigate these matters, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges. 21 But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of His Majesty the Emperor, I ordered him to be kept under guard until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Agrippa said to Festus, “I would also like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he replied, “you will hear him.”
23 So the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience hall, along with the senior military officers and the prominent men of the city. When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in. 24 Then Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you who are present here with us, you see this man about whom the entire Jewish populace petitioned me both in Jerusalem and here, shouting loudly that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing that deserved death, and when he appealed to His Majesty the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this preliminary hearing I may have something to write. 27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without clearly indicating the charges against him.”