Daily Thought

Felix’s successor was Porcius Festus, an altogether different character. Whereas Felix had been susceptible to bribes and flattery, Festus appears to have been confident in his authority and concerned with doing things properly. Thus, he does not accede to their request to bring Paul up to Jerusalem but exercises that authority in making the Jews come to Caesarea, in order that Paul might have a fair trial in accordance with Roman law. However, he is not beyond making political decisions at the expense of justice for, when Paul’s accusers come and bring their unfounded accusations against him, the case should have been dismissed then. Festus, though, prolongs the issue, wanting to strengthen his own position by granting the Jews a favour, v. 9. At the same time it is clear that he was ignorant of Jewish religion and had never heard of the Lord Jesus, and may have genuinely wanted to get to the bottom of the matter.

Paul therefore appeals to Caesar. It was his right as a Roman citizen, but was he right to do so? Paul knew the hearts of his fellow countrymen, that they were set on murdering him whatever it took. After his appeal and its being granted Jewish opposition was silenced, and he does not face it again in Luke’s account. Yet, as Agrippa later says, he could have been set at liberty had he not appealed, 26. 32. Could not the Lord have preserved him before the Jews? The answer is, of course, ‘Yes’. The Lord had promised that Paul would testify for Him in Rome and so he would. Yet, in this appeal we surely see the Lord’s hand. Remaining bound Paul had the opportunity to preach to both Festus and Agrippa, which he would not have had otherwise, he was conducted to Rome at Roman expense, Malta was reached with the gospel on the way and, once in Rome, he would potentially have the opportunity to stand before Caesar himself. How important it is to be sensitive to the leading of the Lord, to know when to speak and when to remain silent, to know when to assert our rights as citizens of an earthly country, knowing as believers we have nothing to fear from justice, Rom. 13. 3, 4, and when simply to submit to earthly authority as ordained by God! May the Lord give us such wisdom.