Paul was eventually sent to the governor Felix’s house to be imprisoned, but in reality his imprisonment was for his own safety as a Jewish mob had formed to bring an end to Paul’s life(23:11-35). Imprisoned in the house of Felix, Paul’s accusers finally arrived but nothing was settled so he spent the next two years being held there (24:27). Festus succeeded Felix as governor and upon familiarizing himself with his province he traveled to Jerusalem (25:1). In Jerusalem he spoke with the high priest and chief men of the Jews who were obviously still bitter against Paul (25:2). Since they had not succeeded in their appeals to Felix, they decided to try their luck with the new governor. Luke writes that these men asked Festus for a favor which involved a plot to kill Paul (25:3); however, Festus did not give in and invited them to come to Caesarea to bring a charge against him (25:3-5). After more than ten days in Jerusalem Festus returned to Caesarea commanding Paul to be brought to him (25:6). The Jews began bringing many charges against Paul, but they could not prove anything that they were saying (25:7-8).
Wanting to do the Jews a favor, Festus asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem to be judged concerning the charges against him (25:9); but Paul declared his right as a Roman citizen to be judged in Rome, not Jerusalem (25:10-11). After conferring with the council, Festus agrees to send Paul to Rome (25:12). Several days later, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice come to greet Festus in Caesarea (25:13) and he informs them of Paul’s case (25:14a). Festus declares, “There is a certain man left a prisoner of Felix, about whom the chief priests and the elders informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him” (25:14b-15). Festus goes on to explain that it is not customary for Romans to sentence a man to punishment or death before he has had a chance to face his accusers, so he invited the Jews to bring charges against him (25:16). Festus then informs King Agrippa that the Jews brought nothing worthy of punishment or death for Paul, but that the dispute rested in “questions against him [Paul] about their own religion, and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive” (25:17-19). King Agrippa decided that he would also like to hear this man, Paul, so the next day he was brought into the auditorium (25:22-23).
King Agrippa permits Paul to speak and he recounts his entire life for him so that he can have a full understanding of the charges brought forth by the Jews (26:1a). Paul begins by reminding Agrippa that he also was raised a Pharisee (most strict group of religious Jews)and was familiar with persecuting the church for their belief in Jesus Christ (26:1b-11); however, Paul shares with King Agrippa how he was converted to Christianity on his way to Damascus (26:12-18). After telling Agrippa about his conversion, Paul tells how he was then commissioned by God to take the news about Jesus Christ to the Jews and Gentiles calling them to “repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance” (26:19-23).
Festus stands up following Paul’s defense and is surprised that he could believe that anyone could rise from the dead (26:24), but Paul defends Jesus’ resurrection saying that “this thing was not done in a corner” (26:25-26). Jesus’ resurrection was widely known throughout Palestine and Paul even turned to King Agrippa saying, “Do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (26:27). King Agrippa speaks up declaring, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (26:28). Paul then expresses his desire for everyone hearing his voice to believe as he also believes (26:29). With these words Paul concluded his defense, so Festus and Agrippa privately discuss his fate and they decide that he has done nothing wrong, but that he must be kept captive (26:30-32).
Paul has experienced so much uncertainty in his ministry, but he refuses to give up. His persevering attitude should be an example to all those who follow Christ and give them hope in the midst of tough times. Although Paul seemed to continually face opposition to his message, he was faithful to proclaim the truth without compromise.
Dear God, make me a faithful follower who perseveres through trials and temptations so that hope through Jesus Christ can be proclaimed to all who will hear.
