What To Do About a Problem Like Paul
Acts 25:1-22
Festus’ Tour of Jerusalem
After Felix was removed from office, Festus was appointed the new governor of Judea.
He was less familiar with Jewish customs and religion.
At this time, Judea had been a hot bed of revolts and riots against the Roman government
Festus thought it would be best to attempt to be peaceful with the Sanhedrin
During his tour of Jerusalem, the Sanhedrin asked him what was he going to do about Paul and suggested that he turn Paul over to them and allow them to judge Paul. After all it wasn’t a Roman matter but one of Jewish law and custom
Instead Festus suggested a new trial over at Caesarea
Paul’s Unexpectant Response
At the trial, they once again accused Paul and did not have any proof to their accusations
Paul simply denied any charge
Festus, trying to win favour with the Sanhedrin, asked if Paul would be willing to go to the ‘lesser court’ and be judged by the Sanhedrin under Festus’ supervision
Paul put a stop to it and called upon his right of a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar.
A Roman citizen, any time during a legal process, could appeal to go directly to Caesar and skip all the rest of the political process.
Felix had previously declared Paul innocent and was biding his time to release Paul.
When Felix was recalled, Paul saw the political process restarted. He also saw that instead of justice, Festus was going to use Paul to earn favour with the Sanhedrin
Festus’ Legal Problem
When Paul appealed to Caesar, it put Festus in a bind. He was simply playing politics and trying to make his rule go smoothly. Now the Paul’s appeal was trouble. If any case appeared before Caesar of local dispute and was without merit, then the person responsible of sending the case would suffer consequences
Under Roman law, now that Paul appealed to Caesar there was no other option, but Festus scrambled anyways
He conferred with his advisors looking for answers and finally let Paul have his way
Now Festus had to write to Nero the reason why he sent Paul to him and he had to make it good.
Agrippa showed up to pay homage to Festus and Festus used this occasion to ask advice from Agrippa who knew more about Jewish customs and law
If it was hard for Festus to explain to Caesar imagine how hard it will be to explain it to God