23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and 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 we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

Acts 25:23-27 (NLT) 中文

Paul on Trial

This is one long process that started in Jerusalem with the Jewish leaders accusing Paul of religious crimes. He uses each trial to share his testimony, his call to the gentiles and the gospel. God continues to intervene to foil plots to kill him. He’s now in Caesarea where he was tried by Roman Governor Felix. He delayed a verdict and kept Paul in custody two years out of fear of the Jews. Festus has taken over and inherited Paul’s case. Paul declined a request to go to Jerusalem to stand trial and leveraged his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar.

Seeking Agrippa’s advice

Yet another hearing of sorts is held by Governor Festus. He seems to be rational and fair in his handling of Paul, but does seek to please the Jews. His speech did have a bit of exaggeration though – such as “whole Jewish people”. Since King Agrippa is in town, he seeks his advice on for what reason he is sending Paul to the emperor. Agrippa is known to be “an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews” (Acts 26:3) so it’s wise for Festus to seek his counsel.

Paul’s innocence

The fact that neither the previous Governor, Felix, or current one, Festus, can come up with any charges against Paul is telling. As Paul has been doing his ministry and living the Christian life, there is nothing that is a violation of the law – certainly, as Festus says, nothing worthy of death.

It seems that they have gotten themselves in this predicament because of their indecisiveness and catering to the Jews.

Gospel focus in Paul’s defense

As we shall see, “This is the longest of Paul’s five defenses. It centers on the gospel, with an evangelistic appeal, rather than on the charges against Paul. This emphasis harmonizes with Luke’s evangelistic purpose in Luke and Acts, and it is a fitting climax to that purpose. This speech also documents God’s faithfulness in allowing Paul to witness before kings (cf. 9:15).” (planobiblechapel.org)

RЯeflection

• Paul has been through many “court” trials – starting with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and now Felix, Festus and, here, Agrippa in Caesarea. He never gives up, never complains (that we know of) or gets angry. He keeps his focus on the gospel. His goal is to finish the race set before him (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Can we keep this kind of gospel focus?