PAUL BEFORE THE CIVIL AUTHORITY: FELIX:J s 3 Third term

PAUL BEFORE THE CIVIL AUTHORITY

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE

TERM: 3rd TERM

TOPIC: PAUL BEFORE THE CIVIL AUTHORITY: GOVERNOR FELIX Acts 23:1-12

In Acts 24, Paul is brought before Governor Felix by the Jewish high priest Ananias and a lawyer named Tertullus. They accuse Paul of being a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews, and being a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes (Christians). Paul defends himself, stating that he has not caused any disturbance and that his beliefs align with the Jewish scriptures. Felix postpones the trial, hoping for a bribe from Paul, but also to gain favor with the Jews. Paul remains in custody for two years under Felix’s rule before being succeeded by Governor Festus.

Governor Festus took over from Felix as Governor at Caesarea in AD 59. The chief priest and other Jewish leaders asked Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem for trial. Their aim was to kill him during the journey to Jerusalem. Festus did not agree to their demands but rather asked them to send delegates to Caesarea for Paul’s trial.

The Jews chose some representatives and they went to Caesarea and accused Paul of charges which they could not prove. In his defense Paul said, “I have never offended the law of the Jews nor the temple, nor against Caesar, I do not seek to escape death; but if there is nothing in the charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”

After discussion with members of the council, Festus replied, “You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.” Since Palestine was under Rome, Paul hoped to get fair trial as part of his Roman rights. This means that Paul had to travel to Rome for his trial. Palestine was under Rome, all her citizens were guided by the laws of Rome. As a citizen of Rome, Paul had certain privileges and rights. Hence Paul appealed to the emperor in Rome and his appeal was granted by Governor Festus. Rome was the seat of Emperor Caesar. The granting of Paul’s appeal to Caesar meant that Paul had to travel to Rome to appear before Caesar. At this time the palace of Caesar was the highest or supreme court where cases could be tried.