10. . the Successor

25-1-12

Festus

weighed up case

25:1-12 Festus (The new governor) therefore came into the Province. After three days he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. The chief priests and the leaders of the Jews informed him about their accusations against Paul. They asked a favour against him (Paul) so that he (Festus) might summon him to Jerusalem. (The Jews) were making a plot to kill him on the way. (But) Festus answered that Paul was to be kept in Caesarea and he himself would go and attend to

him shortly. He said "Therefore send able men from amongst you to go down (to Caesarea) with me. If there is anything amiss in this man let them accuse him." And having stayed amongst them no more than eight or ten days he (Festus) went down to Caesarea. On the next day, when sitting on the tribunal he ordered that Paul be brought in. When he (Paul) arrived the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought against him charges which they were not able to prove.

11. . the Emperor

25:8-12

Caesar

provided base for world outreach

25:8-12 Paul defended himself (saying). Neither against the law of the Jews nor against the Temple, nor against Caesar have I done any wrong." However Festus, wanting to show the Jews a favour answered Paul "Would you like to go up to Jerusalem to be judged before me about these things there?" Paul said "I am standing before the tribunal of Caesar (here) where it is fitting

for me to be judged. I have not wronged the Jews as you very well know. I have not done wrong or anything deserving death I do not seek to escape death. But if there is no one (here) able to accuse (and prove anything against) me then nobody can give me up to them (the Jews in Jerusalem). I appeal (therefore) to Caesar." Then Festus, having talked with the council answered, "You have appealed to go before Caesar and to Caesar you will go."