Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“But Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?” And Paul replied, “I pray to God, whether in a short time or in a long time, not only you but also all those who are listening to me today may become such people as I also am, except for these bonds!”” (Acts 26:28-29)

In chapter twenty-four, it is five days later. Ananias the high priest, some of the elders, and a lawyer named Tertullus arrive in Caesarea to bring their charges against Paul before the governor. They accused Paul of being a troublemaker, a riot maker, and of stirring up religious fever. They said they wanted to charge him according to their laws, but the roman commander forcefully took Paul away and here they were in Roman court. Paul cheerfully took the stand and defended himself. He pointed out that he had only been in Jerusalem twelve days. He had stirred up nothing, had not taught in the synagogues, and had violated no laws. In fact, he worshipped the same God as his ancestors. He had been bringing alms and offerings to his nation when he had been seized for false reasons. Paul asked what specific crime he was being accused of. He said his captors were charging him because of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead and nothing more. Now the governor had heard about the Way and Jesus (his wife was a Jew), so he adjourned the proceedings until the Roman commander from Jerusalem could show up.

A few days later, Paul was summoned again. He was asked to speak before the governor and his wife about the Way. He did. Paul spoke of righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. The governor got a little convicted and cut things short. He sent Paul away until ‘time permits’. In fact, Paul was held for over two years. The governor was hoping for a bribe from Paul, so he often had Paul brought before him for conversation, but no bribes appeared. After those two years, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor. Felix was courting the favour of the Jews, so left Paul in prison.

Chapter twenty-five opens three days after Festus arrived to assume his role as governor. When in Jerusalem, the Jews spoke against Paul. They wanted Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem to be tried – so that they could kill him enroute. But since Festus was heading to Caesarea, he felt Paul should stay there and his accusers could face him there. After ten days, they went. The day after they arrived, Paul was brought before the court. The Jews brought many charges, but could prove none. Paul defended himself simply and told the truth. Nothing stuck. Festus wanted the favour of the Jerusalem Jews and pressed Paul to agree to go to Jerusalem to be tried there. Paul refused. He felt his hand was forced, and so as a Roman he appealed to the judgment of Caesar as was his right. Festus’ hands were tied. Paul had to go to Rome.

Several days later, King Agrippa and his wife Bernice arrived in Caesarea to welcome Festus to the territory. While there, Paul came up in conversation. Festus laid before Agrippa the entire case against Paul and Paul’s defense and appeal to Caesar. Agrippa was interested in hearing Paul. So the next day Paul was brought before them all. Festus was eager that Agrippa hear Paul because there was no real charge for Festus to tell Caesar about. He needed something concrete because he felt it was unreasonable to send a prisoner without signifying what the charges against that prisoner were.

Chapter twenty-six is Paul’s story and defense. He tells of his life. He tells of his religious fervour as a Pharisee. He tells of his encounter with Jesus and his conversion. He spoke of his ministry and what he proclaimed throughout the world. He spoke of the prophets and their message about Jesus as Messiah. Agrippa was touched, almost declaring right then for Jesus. When Paul had been taken away, they were sad. They felt that Paul had done nothing deserving imprisonment or death (which the Jews were gunning for). Agrippa told Festus that if Paul hadn’t appealed to Caesar, he could have been freed immediately.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Paul, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, Jews, Gentiles

Key Verse(s): Acts 24:10-21; 25:7-11; 26:4-18