Sometime after Paul appealed to Caesar in Festus’ court, Festus was visited in Caesarea by King Agrippa and Bernice (Agrippa’s sister). As they had an extended stay, Festus decided to share Paul’s legal case with them, seeking Agrippa’s input. Festus explained how the Jewish chief priests and elders had approached him in Jerusalem, seeking Paul’s condemnation. He rebuffed them, inviting them to formally accuse Paul in his court at Caesarea and with Paul able to defend himself.
They accepted Festus’ offer; and when they arrived in Caesarea, Festus immediately held Paul’s trial. Festus claimed surprise at the charges levied against Paul. He expected to hear of some great evil that Paul had done, but the charges all had to do with the Jewish religion, centered on Jesus, whom the Jews claimed was dead, but Paul claimed had come back to life and was living. Festus foolishly (or perhaps sinisterly) offered Paul the opportunity to be tried in Jerusalem, which would have spelled certain death for him. It was at this point that Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar.
All of this information greatly intrigued Agrippa, and he expressed interest in hearing from Paul. Festus was quick to oblige, and he set up a hearing the following day. King Agrippa and Bernice entered the judgment hall, arrayed in full royal regalia, and many other notable military leaders and men of the city also sat in attendance. Lastly, Paul was brought in, bound in chains. Festus formally announced to the gathered assembly who this man Paul was, why he was on trial, and how he had appealed to Caesar. The problem that presently faced Festus was this: knowing that Paul was innocent of the charges against him, what report would he be able to write that would be presented to Caesar Nero at Paul’s hearing in Rome? He was extremely hopeful that Agrippa would be able to assist him.
The following questions were proposed to help give focus to the study of this passage:
- Who is Agrippa the king? Who is Bernice?
- Why did they come to Caesarea?
- What is Festus’ objective in telling Agrippa about Paul’s case?
- Is Festus’ narrative about Paul truthful?
- Why is Agrippa interested in hearing from Paul?
- What does the great show of pomp tell us?
- Why is Festus so eager to have input from Agrippa?
- What is Festus primarily concerned about?
- Is Festus a good governor? Is Luke telling us his opinion of Festus through this narrative?
You can listen to this teaching on Acts 25:13-27 by clicking on the following link: Self-Serving Political Theatrics
