XXV: 1-5. The long imprisonment of Paul seems not in the least to have moderated the hatred of his enemies; but upon the change of governorship they renewed their efforts for his destruction. (1) "_ Now when Festus had come into the province, after three days he went up from Cæsarea to Jerusalem._ ... [ Continue Reading ]
XXV: 1 5. The long imprisonment of Paul seems not in the least to have moderated the hatred of his enemies; but upon the change of governorship they renewed their efforts for his destruction. (1) “_ Now when Festus had come into the province, after three days he went up from Cæsarea to Jerusalem._ ... [ Continue Reading ]
6-8. He made no delay in granting them the promised hearing. (6) "_ And when he had remained among them not more than ten days, he went down to Cæsarea, and the next day sat upon his judgment seat, and commanded Paul to be brought._ (7) _And when he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem... [ Continue Reading ]
9. The accusers not being able to prove their charges, and the prisoner having plead not guilty to each specification, he should have been unconditionally released. But Festus, notwithstanding the fairness of his answer to their demands in Jerusalem, was now disposed to yield to the clamor of the Je... [ Continue Reading ]
10, 11. The purpose of the Jews was well understood by Paul. He remembered the purpose of the similar request preferred before Claudius Lysias, and perceived that his only safety was in frustrating their present attempt. Fortunately, the very imprisonment which exposed him to danger also furnished t... [ Continue Reading ]
12. This appeal put an end to the trial, as it did to the murderous hopes of Paul's enemies. (12) "_ Then Festus, having conferred with his council, answered, You have appealed to Cæsar; to Cæsar you shall go. " The conference with his advisers was probably in reference to Paul's right to make the a... [ Continue Reading ]
13. The custom of extending congratulations to men newly inducted into high office, which has prevailed in every age of the world, led to the next important incidents of Paul's confinement in Cæsarea. (13) "_ Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came to Cæsarea to salute Festus. ... [ Continue Reading ]
14-21. Festus knew that the charges against Paul had reference to the Jewish law; but he still had not a sufficient understanding of the case to report it intelligibly to the emperor, as he now had to do, under Paul's appeal. He determined, therefore, to obtain the benefit of Agrippa's more familiar... [ Continue Reading ]
22. It is not probable that this was the first time that Agrippa had heard either of Paul or of Jesus. No doubt he had heard much of both, and had some curiosity to hear more. The singular circumstances which now surrounded Paul added much to his curiosity, and afforded the means of gratifying it. ... [ Continue Reading ]
23-27. (23) "_ On the next day, therefore, Agrippa and Bernice having come with much pomp, and entered into the audience-chamber, with the chiliarchs and the prominent men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought forth._ (24) _Then Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men who are here pr... [ Continue Reading ]