Acts 25:1-5
1 Festus, then, after arriving in the province, went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea three days later.
2 And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were pleading with Festus,
3 requesting a concession against Paul, that he might have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way).
4 Festus then answered that Paul was being kept in custody in Caesarea, and that he himself was about to leave shortly.
5 “Therefore,” he *said, “have the influential men among you go there with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, have them bring charges against him.”
Festus the New Governor
The context
Paul’s imprisonment in Caesarea lasted for two years. Around that time, the Roman government dismissed Felix as governor of Judea and appointed Porcius Festus as his successor. In an attempt to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.
Plea of the Jews
The new governor, Festus, was known to be a much more capable leader compared to his predecessor, Felix. While Felix ruled through violence, Festus sought to govern with wisdom. (1) Three days after taking office, he traveled to Jerusalem to establish friendly relations with the influential leaders there. (2) The Jewish leaders met with the new governor. There were 24 chief priests, all of whom were from the Sadducee party. The “prominent Jews” referred to as the “elders” (ref. v 15) were members of the Pharisee party. (3) Two years had passed since the Jews had accused Paul, but the former governor, Felix, had not acted according to their wishes. Seizing the opportunity of the new governor’s arrival, the Jews once again brought charges against Paul. This shows how intense their anger was. (4) They pleaded for the trial to be held in Jerusalem, intending to assassinate Paul during his transfer. The unspoken implication was that if the new governor granted their request, relations between him and the Jewish leaders would be greatly strengthened. The Jews continued to harbor anger toward Paul. Holding on to anger leads to spiritual suffocation. Time does not necessarily heal anger. Let us meditate on how we should deal with feelings of anger.
Festus’ response
Festus likely had gathered considerable information. He could foresee the dangers awaiting Paul if he were transferred to Jerusalem. Therefore, he made a wise decision. (a) Paul was already in Caesarea. (b) I am planning to leave for Caesarea soon. (c) It makes more sense for the Jewish leaders to come together to Caesarea. (d) Then Paul’s trial shall be conducted in Caesarea. Behind this decision, the hand of God was at work to protect Paul. God can work in many ways, one of which is influencing the hearts of rulers to accomplish His will. Even now, God holds the rulers of this world under His authority. Let us walk in complete trust in Him.
Today's prayer
Almighty God, all rulers are held under Your authority. I will walk in complete trust in You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.