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Acts 25

Hendriksen
‹ Chapter 24 Acts — All Chapters Chapter 26 ›

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From Felix he inherited a nation that was marked by the absence of law and order. In an effort to restore a semblance of security and peace, Festus eliminated the so-called daggermen, who had become increasingly bold in the last years of Felix s administration.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”

  1. 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� These daggermen were Jewish assassins who mingled among the crowds on festive days. With daggers hidden in their cloaks, they would murder their opponents and then disappear. When bystanders gathered around a fallen leader, the daggermen would reappear, join the mourners, and so escape detection.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
  2. 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Festus also inherited the problem of determining the guilt or innocence of Paul, the prisoner. Lacking experience in Jewish religious matters, Festus immediately went to Jerusalem to learn about Jewish law, worship, and customs. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 a. Jerusalem) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 25:1 5) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Festus, then, three days after arriving in the province, went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2. There the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and were bringing charges against Paul.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Time.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Both time references ( three days [25:1] and two years [24:27]) provide no indication what year Porcius Festus came to Judea and how long he was governor. To find clues, let us look at information that historiographers supply. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 The beginning of Festus s rule cannot be determined accurately because we do not know exactly when Felix was recalled. We can make an estimate, using as a starting point a comment made by Claudius Lysias. When he questioned Paul, the commander referred to the Egyptian who revolted against Rome some time ago (21:38). This incident occurred during Nero s rule, when the emperor had reigned for some time. Lysias s remark must be interpreted to refer to a time much later than Nero s accession to the throne (October 13, a.d. 54).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
  1. 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And after his arrest, Paul had spent two years in prison. It is likely that Felix governed Palestine from a.d. 52 to 59, ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
  2. 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� and that Nero recalled him in 59. Festus probably would have arrived in Caesarea in 59 or 60. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 We do know that Festus died in office and that his successor, Albinus, came to Judea in a.d. 62. Josephus relates that Albinus was governor at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles in the autumn of the year; presumably he had assumed his duties a few months earlier.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
  3. 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Moment.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Festus, then, three days after arriving in the province, went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. When Porcius Festus arrived in Caesarea, he knew that only the Jewish leaders would be able to help him reverse the tide of political and social unrest in Judea. He immediately traveled to Jerusalem, where he met the high priest Ishmael, son of Phabi, who had been appointed by Agrippa II in a.d. 59.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”
  4. 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Luke writes that the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before Festus in Jerusalem, probably in Fortress Antonia. But note that he writes the plural form ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 chief priests) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 . Even though Ananias had been deposed, he continued to exert enormous influence. He possibly was among the Jewish leaders who acquainted Festus with the grievances of the people. Other members of the high-priestly family were also present (compare 4:6). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 c. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Charges.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 [They] were bringing charges against Paul. Luke is not interested in the political unrest of that day but rather calls attention to the charges the Jews brought against Paul (refer to 24:5 8). Although two years had passed since Paul had defended himself before Felix (24:10 21, 27), the Jews had not forgotten their charges against their enemy Paul. For two years, Paul had been safe in the custody of the Roman military (see 24:23, 27) and could not be touched by the Jewish authorities. In their opinion, Paul represented a menace to Judaism and had to be eliminated. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. They were asking that he favor them instead of Paul, namely, that Festus summon Paul to Jerusalem; meanwhile they were plotting an ambush to kill him along the way.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.23-45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” a. They were asking that he favor them instead of Paul. The Jerusalem leaders understood that the new governor might choose to release Paul. If Paul should travel west to Rome and Spain 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.23-45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:23 24) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.28|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ), they would be unable to eliminate him. So the chief priests and elders curried Festus s goodwill and repeatedly asked him to extend them a favor by not listening to any pleas from Paul. They suggested that Festus summon Paul to Jerusalem, where the governor could conduct a trial with the Jewish leaders present. Their request seemed perfectly logical, because Festus was already in Jerusalem. He would only have to send a messenger to Caesarea with the summons for Paul and then rule whether Paul was guilty or innocent of the charges against him. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. Meanwhile they were plotting an ambush to kill him along the way. Luke adds that the Jews were plotting an ambush in case Festus agreed to their request. They planned to station a number of people somewhere between Caesarea and Jerusalem; these people would assassinate Paul and the Roman soldiers assigned to escort him (compare 23:12, 21). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=22.5.0|AUTODETECT|”
  1. Festus replied, Paul is being kept in Caesarea and I myself am about to go there ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=22.5.0|AUTODETECT|” soon. 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Therefore, let some of your leaders accompany me, and if they find anything morally wrong in this man, let them press charges against him. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 3 3 8 0 0 If we suppose that Claudius Lysias was still commander in Jerusalem, Festus would have received pertinent information from him about Paul and the earlier Jewish plot (compare 23:12 22). Further, if Luke could write about the Jews planning another ambush, we presume that the news of the plot also came to the attention of Festus. As the Roman governor he had to guarantee Paul s safety and therefore he refused the request of the Jews. ) In addition, the Jewish leaders indirectly tried to weaken Festus s authority by having him move his judgment seat from Caesarea, where the Roman governor had his residence and headquarters, to Jerusalem, the center of Jewish influence. Festus reacted negatively to this encroachment on his power and thus rejected the suggestion for a change of venue. He stated that Paul was under guard in Caesarea and that he himself would go there soon. Festus s refusal saved Paul s life, for in Caesarea Paul had no fear of physical harm.

There the Jews were unable to harm him, but on the way to Jerusalem or in the city itself Paul would be in mortal danger. ) Suddenly the Jews learned that the governor had turned the tables on them. Instead of having Paul brought to Jerusalem, Festus told the Jews, Let some of your leaders [lit., powerful ones] accompany me. That is, let the high priest and his associates come to Caesarea. Normally, the plaintiff comes to the courthouse; the judge and jury do not come to the plaintiff.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7” 7) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 If they find anything morally wrong in this man, let them press charges against him. Festus made it known to the Jewish hierarchy that he had no knowledge of their religious laws, but if they could prove that Paul had committed a crime, he would be willing to judge the matter. Therefore, he said, let them come with their accusations. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 25:2 5) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 2) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.47|AUTODETECT|” �1 ������ the most prominent men. This word is a synonym for elders 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:47) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.17|AUTODETECT|” Acts 28:17) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” 8) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ���������� the imperfect tense of ��������� (I appeal to, entreat, request) discloses the repeated action of the Jewish hierarchy. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 3) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 �0�������� the present tense denotes persistent and continued action. The verb �0��� (I ask) is in the middle voice, which is the common mode in the New Testament for describing business transactions.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” 9) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ����� in the singular (see 24:27 for the plural), the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 favor) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 reveals a ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 quid pro quo) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (something for something) exchange. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 4) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 �r� �V� this combination signifies the adversative ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 however) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 . The definite article and noun A ������ (Festus) signal a change in subject; the construction conveys a shift in speakers.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” 10) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 �0� the preposition in this context is equivalent to � (at). ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 5) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ������� powerful ones. The adjective refers not to capability but to influence and authority.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” 11) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 �4 �� ���� if there is anything. Notice that the governor uses the present indicative instead of the subjunctive. The indicative conveys fact and certainty but the subjunctive probability and uncertainty. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 b. Caesarea) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 25:6 8) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A few matters call for attention. First, Governor Festus exercises his authority in regard to the Jews. Next, the Jewish leaders decide to travel to Caesarea to press charges against Paul. And last, Luke relates that the judicial procedure reflects haste. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 6. After Festus spent no more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, he took his place in the courtroom and ordered that Paul be brought before him.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 Luke describes the events that preceded Paul s trial before Festus on a day-to-day basis. He mentions that within three days after arriving in Caesarea, Festus went to Jerusalem (v. 1). There he spent eight to ten days with the Jewish leaders (v. 6) and, after he returned to Caesarea, convened the court the next day (v. 6). ) We receive the impression that the Jewish leaders accompanied Festus from Jerusalem to Caesarea, which took two days of traveling. The very next day Festus convened the court session with the Jerusalem dignitaries as plaintiffs, Paul as the defendant, and the governor as the judge (see the parallel in 22:30). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 7. When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him, which they were unable to support.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 4 3 8 0 0 The case before the court is extraordinary. Two years earlier, Felix had listened to Tertullus s accusations and Paul s defense but had failed to pronounce a verdict. Felix left the case unresolved and kept Paul imprisoned. ) At the insistence of the Jerusalem Jews, Festus agreed to resolve the case. He ordered a soldier to summon Paul; when Paul appeared in court, he stood in the midst of the members of the Sanhedrin. This arrangement must have contributed to a volatile atmosphere in the courtroom, for the Jews suddenly stood next to their archenemy, Paul. ) Then Festus gave the Jews permission to state their grievances, and these were numerous and serious. Under cross-examination, however, the Jews were unable to prove any of the charges.

We suspect that they repeated the accusations they leveled against Paul during his trial before Felix (24:2 9). But the Jews from the province of Asia (21:27) could not be called as eyewitnesses after a lapse of two years. Consequently, none of the accusations against Paul could be verified by reliable witnesses. ) Listening to the accusations, Festus soon realized that Paul was not a criminal but that the charges related to the religious laws and customs of the Jews. He had to judge a man who was a Roman citizen and had not offended Caesar in word or deed. Moreover, he allowed a man who was innocent to be his own lawyer and to refute the allegations of the Jews. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 8. Then Paul defended himself: I have not sinned against either the Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Luke condenses Paul s defense at this point to one sentence. Even though the charges were many and serious, the Jews failed to bring any new ones. The allegations were identical to the ones Tertullus made at the first trial (24:5 6). The verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 defended) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (in the original, it is present tense) indicates that Paul repeatedly vindicated himself. He refuted the charges that he had sinned against the Jewish law, had desecrated the temple, and had shown contempt for Caesar. By saying that he had not sinned, he stated that he was innocent of any offense against the Jews, the Jerusalem temple, and Roman authority. ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1-45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” Paul s attitude toward the Romans was positive 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1-45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:1 7) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In his relations with officials who represented the Roman government, Paul had always shown courtesy and respect. And the Romans were usually considerate of Paul, especially when he claimed his right as a Roman citizen (16:37; 22:25). Nevertheless, as he stood in the midst of angry Jews who hurled insults and accusations at him in Festus s courtroom, Paul knew that he could not expect to receive a fair trial. The newly appointed governor might decide to support the Jews to gain their goodwill. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 25:6 8) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 6 7) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 $ this particle means or between the words ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 eight) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ten) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 . It should not be taken as part of the comparative ������� (more [than]) in the sense of than. ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.19|AUTODETECT|” ������� Festus sat on the judgment seat and thereby made the court session an official trial on behalf of the Roman government. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.19|AUTODETECT|” Matthew 27:19) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.13|AUTODETECT|” John 19:13) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.12|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:12) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 �0������� charges. This word occurs once in the New Testament. The usual term is �0��� (accusation). ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 8) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ������������ from the verb ���������� (I make a defense, defend myself), this present middle participle shows, first, continued action; next, reflexive action, with Paul serving as his own lawyer; and last, the genitive case as part of the genitive absolute construction. This construction is faulty; the subject in the clause and the main sentence is the same.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” 12) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 c. Appeal) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 25:9 12) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 In these verses Luke portrays an interesting power play between a Roman governor and a Roman citizen. Festus wants to please the Jews and win their favor by having Paul tried in Jerusalem, but Paul, claiming his rights of citizenship, insists on being tried in a Roman court, states his innocence, and appeals to Caesar. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 9. But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul, Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there stand trial before me on these things? ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Assent.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 This verse reveals that the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 favor) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 is the key to understanding the change in Festus. In Jerusalem, he had exercised his power as the Roman governor and refused to grant the Jewish leaders the courtesy of a change of venue for Paul s trial. But when these leaders traveled to Caesarea, they placed him in their debt. If he wanted their help in restoring law and order throughout the land and curbing the power of the Zealots, he would have to do the leaders a favor. And the favor which the Jews desired was to have Paul tried in Jerusalem. There they could charge him with desecrating the temple and convict and execute him. The Romans would be unable to intervene and Paul s citizenship would be of no avail. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Festus, however, informed Paul that in Jerusalem the governor would be the judge. The question is whether Festus would be accompanied by his own council (v. 12) or permit the Sanhedrin to serve as his council. Would he listen to both the Jewish prosecutors and Paul and then render impartial judgment? Would he serve as a mediator between the Jews and Paul?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13” 13) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 Paul considered his options and feared that ) 1. Festus would use the members of the Sanhedrin as his council, and thus the proceedings would lack objectivity;��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” 14) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 2. the governor wanted to ingratiate himself with the Jews and therefore would be partial in his judgments; ) 3. if Festus should declare him innocent and set him free, Paul would no longer enjoy the protection of the Roman military and thus would risk his life on the streets of Jerusalem and the roads of Judea; ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.26|AUTODETECT|” 4. the Jews would plot to assassinate him on his way to or from Jerusalem 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.26|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:26) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 When Governor Festus asked Paul to travel to Jerusalem and stand trial there, Paul refused to accede to his request. Paul treasured his Roman citizenship (see 22:25 29; 23:27) and through it he sought immunity from Jewish prosecution in Judea. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 10. Paul, however, said: I am now standing in Caesar s court, where I should be tried. I have done nothing wrong against the Jews, as you yourself very well know. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Immunity.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Both Felix and Festus had tried Paul. Both governors should have released him for lack of evidence, but they curried the favor of the Jews and kept Paul in prison. When Festus suggested that Paul be tried for a third time, before a (religious) court in Jerusalem, Paul promptly invoked his rights as a Roman citizen. He called the governor s attention to the fact that a Roman citizen should be tried in a Roman court. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Paul displayed his integrity and innocence when he called Festus to task and reminded him that the governor was Caesar s representative and therefore had to insure justice on behalf of a Roman citizen. Paul forced Festus to acknowledge his innocence, which the governor already had determined (vv. 4 8). Paul also touched the governor s conscience.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15” 15) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� When Paul said that he had not wronged the Jews in any way, he contrasted his innocence with Festus s questionable attempt to show favoritism to the Jews. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 11. If, then, I am in the wrong and have done something worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to the accusations of these Jews, then no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 c. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Innocence.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul frankly states that he is either guilty or innocent. In the presence of Festus, the judge, he places himself under the law and voices two parallel sentences that express simple fact conditions. ) 8 3 3 8 0 0 In the first sentence Paul tells the governor that if indeed he is guilty and has committed a crime that calls for the verdict of capital punishment, he refuses to find ways to escape execution. Thus, he places the challenge before Festus and his council (v. 12) to prove his guilt. The second sentence is not only the exact opposite of the first but also specifies that the charges against him were formulated by the Jews. He could have made a declarative statement about his integrity, even though Festus was well acquainted with his innocence. Instead, Paul states the simple fact of his guiltlessness in conditional form: If there is no truth to the accusations, [and you know that these charges are unfounded,] then no one has the right to hand me over to [the Jews]. ) During the administration of Felix, Paul avoided appealing his case to the Roman emperor. Felix had not yet pronounced a verdict but at any time could have declared him innocent and released him.

When, however, Felix was recalled to Rome and Festus appeared on the scene, Paul realized that his future became precarious if the new governor wished to favor the Jews by having Paul tried in Jerusalem. Now Paul has to fight for his life and therefore he resorts to his last option: as a Roman citizen he exercises his right to appeal to Caesar. ) When Paul declares that no one has the right to hand him over to the Jews, he directly addresses Festus. At this point we face a legal question that derives from the general context: Did Festus, and for that matter Felix, lack the authority to pass a verdict if Paul had the right to appeal to Caesar? Festus freely admits to Agrippa his inability to formulate charges against Paul (v. 27). And Agrippa concludes that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (26:32). The context discloses that Paul s appeal prevents the governor from delivering a verdict of innocence should he belatedly choose to do so.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” 16) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In short, the appeal to Caesar grants Paul a status that puts him above prosecution from either the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem or Festus s court in Caesarea. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 With the short statement ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 I appeal to Caesar,) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul relieves Festus of his judicial duties to him. 9 1 -1 9 0 0 I appeal to Caesar) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 consists of only two words: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Caesarem appello) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 [Latin] and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 kaisara epikaloumai) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 [Greek]. The Greek verb in the middle means I call upon Caesar in my behalf. )��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 17) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.13|AUTODETECT|” �� At the same time, Paul places the governor in the unenviable position of having to justify sending Paul to Nero without any specific charges. Nero and his officials would not take kindly to a governor who showed incompetence in judging trivial matters. Paul appealed to Caesar for three reasons: first, the appeal saved his life; next, it would bring him to Rome, as Jesus had foretold (23:11); and last, in Rome he would preach the gospel to the members of Nero s entourage 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:13) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.22|AUTODETECT|” 4:22) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and perhaps receive official recognition for Christianity.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 18) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 12. When Festus had conferred with his council, he said: You appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 d. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Appeal.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 From the beginning of the Roman empire, citizens had the right to appeal to the emperor capital verdicts by local judges. This privilege was limited to citizens within the walls of Rome and as far as a mile beyond them. In the provinces, H. J. Cadbury writes, governors had no authority to try and condemn citizens. With respect to charges that carried the death penalty, governors in effect functioned not as judges but as prosecutors who presented the cases, along with the accused citizens, to the emperor.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” 19) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Roman emperors honored this right of the citizens. Aided by their officials, they judged the cases according to the full descriptions supplied them by governors and consuls. (Paul exercised his rights during the first part of Nero s reign [a.d. 54 62], which is usually called the emperor s golden age.) ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 When Festus heard Paul say, I appeal to Caesar, he immediately conferred with his council. Realizing full well that only exceptional cases could be sent to the emperor and that Paul had not committed any offense at all against the Roman state, Festus sought advice from the members of his council, who included both the higher officials of his court and the younger men who accompanied him to gain experience in provincial administration. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 20) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 To Festus s credit, the governor accepted Paul s appeal and agreed to send him to Rome. He resisted the temptation to mislead Paul in one way or another. Festus kept his word and within a short time made preparations for Paul to sail to the imperial city. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 25:9 11) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 9) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ����� favor. Notice the similar construction in 24:27, where the form ������ occurs. The word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 favor) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 predominates in this context: as a noun in verses 3 and 9, and as a verb (���������, I give as a favor) in verses 11 and 16. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ������ this is a simple present verb , because it appears in an interrogative sentence.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 21) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 10 11) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 �������� the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Caesar) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 is prominent in this chapter (vv. 8, 10, 11, 12, 21). ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 ������� the superlative adverb of ����� (well, commendably) is translated very well. ) ���� although present in form , this verb is close to the perfect tense, much the same as ������� (I have done). A. T. Robertson defines the latter verb as a perfect of broken continuity. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” 22) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 4. Paul and Agrippa) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 25:13 27) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 4 3 8 0 0 13 When several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. 14 After they had stayed there for many days, Festus presented Paul s case to the king and said: Felix left a certain man here, a prisoner. 15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded a guilty verdict. 16 I answered them that it is not customary for the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers and has an opportunity to defend himself against the charges. 17 When the Jews had come here, I did not postpone the matter but on the next day I took my place in court and ordered that the man be brought before me. 18 His accusers stood up and began to bring an accusation against him, but not of such crimes I was suspecting. 19 They only had some points of disagreement with him concerning their own religion and concerning a certain dead man, Jesus, whom Paul claimed to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate this, I asked Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters. 21 When Paul had made his appeal to be kept in custody for the Emperor s decision, I ordered that he be kept until I could send him to Caesar. 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, I myself wish to hear this man. And Festus replied, Tomorrow you will hear him. ) 23 Then, on the next day, Agrippa and Bernice entered the auditorium with great pageantry, accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city. Festus commanded that Paul be brought before them. 24 Festus said, King Agrippa and all you gentlemen here with us. You see this man about whom all the Jews have appealed to me both in Jerusalem and here, and shouted that he should not live any longer. 25 But I find that he committed nothing worthy of death. Since he appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him there. 26 But I have nothing definite to write about him to His Majesty. Therefore, I have brought him before you and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation, I may have something to write. 27 For dispatching a prisoner without indicating any charges against him seems absurd to me. ) Festus faced an immense problem.

He knew that he had to honor Paul s appeal to Caesar, yet the governor was perplexed in regard to sending a legal description of Paul s case to Rome. He was unable to formulate a charge against Paul because the accusations of the Jews pertained to religious matters that had nothing to do with Roman law. ) Much to the relief of Festus, King Agrippa II and Bernice came to Caesarea to pay their respects. Agrippa was of Jewish descent, had been educated at Rome, and was ruler of a kingdom. He would be able to give pertinent advice to Festus and help him out of his predicament. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 a. Visitors Identified) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 25:13 14a) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 13. When several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. 14a. After they had stayed there for many days, Festus presented Paul s case to the king.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 For a few days Festus was at a loss to formulate a proper description of Paul s case for the emperor. Just at that time, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea to welcome Festus to his new assignment as governor of Judea. They made their appearance at the palace of Governor Festus and stayed with him many days. A polite friendship developed between these two rulers. Festus realized that Agrippa had been trained at the court of Claudius and had a clear understanding of the Jewish religion. Moreover, Emperor Claudius had given Agrippa II the position of curator of the Jerusalem temple and the right to appoint its high priests.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” 23) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� After a few days Festus made his predicament known to Agrippa and asked him for advice. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Additional comments on Agrippa II and the Herodian dynasty) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Agrippa, Bernice, and Drusilla were the children of King Herod Agrippa I (see the genealogical chart). ) -3 5 3 0 2 0 0

TMetafile width=288 height=96 �l���������� EMF� ���nNF��GDIC�3 =�� L� ��-�-� �MS Sans Serif #�����T�" -�H �H �� ‘%&%Rp �MS Sans SerifЇQI8%NQL�ЇQL��quw�quwO�mw@1Hx�� <w��D<w�IQh+N%����;w�!�dv%%�%�0�% �K(((8 1 3 8 0 0 When Herod died in a.d. 44, Agrippa II was seventeen; Bernice, sixteen; and Drusilla, six. At the time, Agrippa II was in Rome. He hoped that the emperor Claudius would grant him his father s crown, but Claudius thought that a youth of seventeen lacked the maturity to rule Palestine, beset as it was by nationalistic and religious interests, problems, and conflicts. In a.d. 50, Claudius did entrust to Agrippa the kingdom of Chalcis (in the Lebanon valley), which had belonged to Herod Agrippa s brother.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 24) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Three years later, however, Claudius offered Agrippa II the tetrarchy of Philip (Batanaea, Trachonitis, and Gaulanitis), the tetrarchy of Lysanias (Abilene), and the territory of Varus (Acra) in exchange for the kingdom of Chalcis.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 25) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In the first year of Nero s reign (a.d. 54), the emperor gave Agrippa II a number of leading cities and villages in both Galilee and Perea.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 26) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Agrippa II, then, ruled the northern half of Palestine. Expanding the capital city of Caesarea Philippi, he renamed it Neronias in honor of Emperor Nero.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” 27) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Although he called himself Great King, pious Friend of Caesar and Friend of Rome, he nonetheless tried to promote the Jewish cause. He was known as an expert in Jewish customs and conflicts (26:3), and he was well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures (26:27). Agrippa traced his Jewish roots to his great-grandmother Mariamne, the second wife of Herod the Great. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Agrippa showed his allegiance to Rome by visiting Festus soon after his arrival in Caesarea. From a moral perspective, however, the presence of his sister Bernice was an embarrassment. At the age of thirteen, she had married her uncle, Herod of Chalcis, and bore him two sons during their seven-year marriage. When Herod died in a.d. 48, Bernice began to live with her brother, who became king of Chalcis two years later. Bernice functioned as queen, while Agrippa II remained unmarried. Josephus and the Roman author Juvenal note that the rumor of an incestuous relationship between Agrippa and Bernice was widespread.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 28) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� To suppress this rumor, Bernice married Polemo, king of Cilicia, presumably after a.d. 64. But soon afterward she deserted him and returned to her brother. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Agrippa and Bernice exerted themselves to avert the bloodshed that resulted from the Jewish revolt, which culminated in the fall of Jerusalem in a.d. 70. Both Agrippa and Bernice were supporters of the Roman general Titus and stayed in his company. And when Titus sponsored magnificent games at great expense in Caesarea Philippi to celebrate the conquest of Jerusalem, King Agrippa was no doubt also present, rejoicing as a Roman in the defeat of his people: ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” 29) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Furthermore, Bernice engaged in a love affair with Titus and expected him to marry her when they eventually came to Rome in a.d. 75. But because the public opposed the marriage, Titus dismissed Bernice. Agrippa, the last member of the Herodian dynasty, died in a.d. 100. ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Throughout the Gospels and Acts, the writers of Scripture show the reaction that members of the Herodian dynasty displayed toward Christ or his cause. Herod the Great wanted to kill the infant Jesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 2:13) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.22-40.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ). In the next generation, his son Archelaus ruthlessly ruled Judea, thereby forcing Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus to settle in Nazareth instead of Bethlehem 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.22-40.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 2:22 23) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Another son, Herod Antipas, beheaded John the Baptist 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:10) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ). One generation later, Herod the Great s grandson King Agrippa I killed the apostle James and arrested Peter 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:2) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.25.0|AUTODETECT|” ). And in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.25.0|AUTODETECT|” Acts 25) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , Luke depicts the great-grandson, King Agrippa II, participating in the investigation of Paul s case. Unlike his forebears, this king was kindly disposed toward the cause presented by Paul. He heard the gospel and subsequently declared that Paul should have been set free.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7” 30) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 25:13 14a) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ������������ this compound participle in the genitive absolute construction actually means some days came in ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 between) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (���). ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” 31) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ���������� the use of the aorist participle is abnormal in a setting that demands the future participle to express purpose . Grammarians consider the action indicated by the aorist participle to be coincident with that of the main verb.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” 32) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ���� this preposition with the accusative case is more expressive than the mere genitive of the phrase ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul s case) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 . It signifies the things pertaining to Paul. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 b. Problem Explained) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 25:14b 22) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Presuming that the conversation between Festus and Agrippa was private, we suspect that Luke in his account presents the main ideas of the discussion. Luke s form of composition is inferential rather than based on sources. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” 33) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� We are unable to indicate how and from which source Luke obtained the content of this private conversation that took place between two rulers. Nevertheless, the Greek in this speech is classical and free from any Semitic influences. Festus speaks as an educated Roman official who addresses Agrippa in excellent Greek. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 14b. [Festus] said: Felix left a certain man here, a prisoner. 15. When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded a guilty verdict. 16. I answered them that it is not customary for the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers and has an opportunity to defend himself against the charges. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 With the use of the perfect tense (in the Greek), Festus testifies to the fact that Paul had been a prisoner for an extended period. He notes that his predecessor, Felix, had left Paul without passing a verdict and that the matter subsequently came to Festus s attention when he appeared in Jerusalem. There the Jewish religious hierarchy immediately informed him about Paul, whom they accused of breaking the law. They demanded that Festus pass a guilty verdict on Paul. Festus expressly states that the Jews were not asking for a trial in which Paul s guilt or innocence could be determined; on the contrary, they demanded a guilty verdict. ) Festus reports that he objected to this patently biased procedure, for as a judge representing the Roman emperor he would have to judge a Roman citizen according to Roman practice and law. The Jews wanted Festus not only to declare Paul guilty but also to hand him over to them as a favor.

The governor reveals his integrity in his explanation to Agrippa. According to Roman civil law, no one should be condemned without his case being heard and without being given the opportunity to defend himself in court.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” 34) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 17. When the Jews had come here, I did not postpone the matter but on the next day I took my place in court and ordered that the man be brought before me. 18. His accusers stood up and began to bring an accusation against him, but not of such crimes I was suspecting. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 The Greek text seems to imply that the Jews traveled with Festus to Caesarea. When they arrived, the governor immediately convened his court and ordered Paul to be brought before him. The circumstances of having the Jewish delegation at hand and Festus s determination to hold the trial in Caesarea contributed to avoiding any delay. Festus undoubtedly thought that Paul s trial was of great significance and wanted to bring the matter to a conclusion. Much to his surprise, he soon realized that Paul was not a criminal who had broken Roman law. The governor, appointed to uphold civil law and punish evildoers and those who rebelled against Rome, was at a loss to adjudicate Jewish disputes on religious matters.

If Festus had wanted to bring Paul s trial to a satisfactory conclusion from a Roman perspective, he should have declared Paul innocent and set him free. But the governor, like his predecessor, wanted to do the Jews a favor and kept Paul a prisoner. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 19. But they only had some points of disagreement with him concerning their own religion and concerning a certain dead man, Jesus, whom Paul claimed to be alive. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 The governor admits his lack of expertise on some points of disagreement relating to the Jewish religion. The Roman government had given the religion of the Jews legal status and maintained a policy of noninterference in the religious laws and practices. But when the Jews asked Roman governors to judge a fellow Jew on the basis of Jewish law, these officials were unable to comply with their requests. ) Yet Festus reveals at least a surface knowledge of the Jewish dispute that concerns the resurrection of Jesus. Although Festus fails to identify Paul by name but only refers to him as a man who is a prisoner, in the context of Jesus resurrection he mentions the names of both Jesus and Paul. Here is the crucial point that causes the Jews to clamor for a guilty verdict against Paul before Festus: Jesus resurrection from the dead. Festus informs Agrippa II that the issue was concerning a certain dead man, Jesus, whom Paul claimed to be alive. John Calvin remarks that Festus, an unbeliever and a worshiper of idols, had to be Paul s judge and mediator in the presence of Paul s Jewish adversaries.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” 35) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In spiritual ignorance, the governor had to pass judgment on God s truth pertaining to Christ s resurrection. However, because of personal pride Festus resolutely rejected Paul s teaching concerning Christ s death and resurrection (see 26:22 24). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 20. Being at a loss how to investigate this, I asked Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters. 21. When Paul had made his appeal to be kept in custody for the Emperor s decision, I ordered that he be kept until I could send him to Caesar. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 In respect to religious matters of Jews and Christians, Festus frankly confesses to being at a loss. The Greek text shows that he uses the personal pronoun ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 I) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to indicate that he himself does not know how to proceed. What he withholds from Agrippa, however, is the fact that he wanted to do the Jews a favor by changing the venue from Caesarea to Jerusalem (v. 9). He reports only that he asked Paul whether he would be willing to stand trial in Jerusalem and bases his request on the fact that he is incapable of ruling on religious matters. His admission foretells that Paul would not receive a favorable verdict should he agree to travel to Jerusalem. But Festus s royal guest perfectly understands the entire situation and is not at all surprised to hear the governor say that Paul appealed to Caesar.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13” 36) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Festus informs Agrippa that he has issued the order to keep Paul in custody in Caesarea until proper arrangements can be made to send him to Rome. But Festus first has to compose a legal document that must accompany Paul to the emperor. And he is able to send Paul only when a sufficient number of prisoners can be accompanied to Rome by a centurion and soldiers of the Imperial Regiment (27:1). In the meantime, Paul will stay in Caesarea. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 22. Then Agrippa said to Festus, I myself wish to hear this man. And Festus replied, Tomorrow you will hear him. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Festus has aroused Agrippa s curiosity, for from Paul Agrippa will be able to gain direct information about the Christians and their religion. We see a parallel between Agrippa, who desires to meet Paul, and Agrippa s great-uncle Herod Antipas, who wanted to see Jesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:9) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.8|AUTODETECT|” 23:8) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ). On an earlier occasion, Agrippa s sister Drusilla had the opportunity to listen to Paul present the teachings of Christ (24:24 26). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 In aptly chosen words, Agrippa voices his desire to hear Paul. He could have bluntly stated that he wanted to hear him, but with the tense of the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to wish) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 he conveys a polite request .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” 37) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Festus s reply to this request is short and to the point: Tomorrow you will hear him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Historical Considerations in 25:10 21) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 3 3 8 0 0 When Rome conquered Israel in 63 b.c., the Roman government wisely left intact the religious substratum of the Jewish people. The Jewish religion was given legal status so that throughout the Roman empire Jews could worship according to their own laws and customs. Rome even gave the Jews in Jerusalem the right to impose the death penalty on any non-Jew who entered the temple area that was forbidden to Gentiles. ) For at least the first thirty years of its existence, the Christian church was considered part of the Jewish religion acknowledged by the Roman state. But the widespread development of the church together with the increased hostility of the Jews against Christianity caused a rift between the Christian faith and Judaism. This rift the Romans could not ignore, for they either had to grant equal rights to the church or brand its existence illegal. Jews who were violently opposed to the Christians ardently strove to have the Romans outlaw the church. ) When Paul appealed to Caesar in the presence of Governor Festus, Rome came face to face with the Christian religion.

At Caesar s court, Rome eventually had to make a decision relative to the church s existence. (Paul s appeal to Caesar was not an evangelistic effort to present the gospel in the imperial city. Indeed, the church of Rome was already thriving and expanding many years before Paul composed his Epistle to the Romans in a.d. 57.) Even though he was a prisoner, Paul could raise the issue of the legal status of Christianity before Caesar. Festus was unable to adjudicate the matter and had to send Paul to the emperor. In Rome, Paul declared that he was a prisoner on account of the hope of Israel, which consisted of the coming of God s kingdom and his Messiah and the doctrine of the resurrection. In brief, Paul was a prisoner in Rome for the sake of Christ s gospel. Although Luke provides no evidence, tradition holds that Paul was released from house arrest in Rome.

Luke reveals that Paul boldly preached the gospel without hindrance from the state (compare 28:31). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 25:14b 22) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 14b 15) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ��������������� with the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to be) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in the present tense, this is a periphrastic construction . The perfect tense in the participle denotes lasting effect and the use of the compound signifies abandonment. ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 �1 & �1 the appearance of two definite articles before two nouns signals two distinct groups: the chief priests and the elders. ) ��������� guilty verdict. The Majority Text has adopted the reading ����� (judgment). In view of the phrase ���� �P��� (against him), however, scholars prefer ���������, a compound noun that repeats the preposition. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 16) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.26|AUTODETECT|” ��v� $ this combination is common in Koine Greek; in Attic Greek the single form ���� occurs. Both forms mean before. Here and in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:26) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the combination is followed by the finite verb in an indirect discourse construction. The two optatives ��� (has) and ����� (receives) denote future possibilities. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 18 19) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 3 3 8 0 0 ����� note the increased use of the descriptive imperfect in verses 18 20: were bringing, was suspecting, was claiming, and was asking. ) ������� of the crimes. Manuscripts of the Majority Text omit this word, perhaps in the interest of a smoother reading. ) �������������� in the New Testament, this word occurs only here. It is used objectively; that is, in a favorable sense meaning religion. See 17:22 for the use of the adjective. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 20) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 �0 �������� instead of the present indicative ������ (v. 9), Festus uses the optative to soften the force of the actual command and consequently to conceal the original motive for this question. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref38 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15” 38) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 c. Paul Introduced) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 25:23 27) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 When Festus had Paul brought before King Agrippa, it is reasonable to assume that Luke was present. During Paul s imprisonment, his friends were permitted to visit him and take care of his needs (24:23); it seems unlikely that they would be denied access to this event. Moreover, the words of Festus ( all you gentlemen here with us, 25:24) imply that persons other than the invited nobility and dignitaries were present.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref39 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” 39) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And Luke attended the earlier trials of Paul. He would want to be near his friend on this occasion also. Any information concerning Paul that circulated in and around Festus s palace would have come to Luke s attention. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Throughout his presentation, Luke gives Paul a leading role in the developing account. He considers important not the presence of royalty and the display of military and administrative might, but the quiet dignity of Paul. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 23. Then, on the next day, Agrippa and Bernice entered the auditorium with great pageantry, accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city. Festus commanded that Paul be brought before them.) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Why did Festus invite royalty and dignitaries to his auditorium? The meeting obviously was not a formal trial, for Paul already had been tried before Festus and his accusers had returned to Jerusalem. Moreover, the meeting took place not in the courtroom (v. 6) but in the audience room of the governor.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref40 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 40) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And to be precise, Paul s appeal to Caesar precluded any trial at this time. ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 Nevertheless, Festus had not completed his work on Paul s case. He was obliged to write a legal document for the benefit of Nero, but Festus publicly admitted his puzzlement (v. 27). For this reason, the governor convened Agrippa and Bernice, military officers, and city officials to give him advice (v. 26) on stating his justification for sending Paul to Rome. At the heart of the matter was the gospel which Paul eventually presented. ) Some scholars have questioned the historicity of Luke s comment about pageantry. Writes Hans Conzelmann, The display of ostentation is Luke s creation and is without a historical core. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref41 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 41) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� But the historicity of Luke s account certainly is not at stake. What took place was Festus s attempt to honor King Agrippa. The governor provided for Agrippa the occasion to display his royal power; yielded to him the judge s seat so that the king could give Paul permission to speak (26:1); allowed the king to rise first (26:30); and granted him the privilege of making the closing statement on Paul s case (26:32).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref42 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” 42) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 King Agrippa II clothed himself in exquisite raiment, just as his father Herod Agrippa had decked himself in royal robes (12:21). To impress Governor Festus and the other notables, Agrippa II exhibited his royalty by the clothes he wore for the occasion. Bernice, even though she was not the queen, did likewise. And the high-ranking Roman army officers, five in number,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref43 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 43) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� came to the meeting in their finest military attire out of respect for the visiting king. The prominent leaders of the city dressed accordingly. ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.18|AUTODETECT|” Among the prominent men of the city were perchance Jews, but we conjecture that the majority of those attending were Gentiles. When all the honored guests were seated, Governor Festus ordered a soldier to fetch Paul. And mindful of Jesus word that he would be brought before governors and kings on account of Jesus, Paul seized the opportunity to witness to the Gentiles 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:18) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 24. Festus said, King Agrippa and all you gentlemen here with us. You see this man about whom all the Jews have appealed to me both in Jerusalem and here, and shouted that he should not live any longer. 25. But I find that he committed nothing worthy of death. Since he appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him there. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 Before Festus yields his authority to Agrippa II, he presents Paul to the audience. With deference, he addresses Agrippa as king and welcomes everyone in the audience. According to the custom of that day, he speaks only to the men, even though Bernice is in attendance. ) Festus calls attention to Paul and then, with a touch of exaggeration, declares that all the Jews have appealed to me both in Jerusalem and here. He evidently refers to the Jewish leaders and not to every Jew living in these two places. He stresses the seriousness of the matter by saying that the Jews are not merely petitioning but are shouting that Paul ought not to live any longer (compare 21:36; 22:22). In the original the negative adverb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 not) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 appears with the expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 no longer) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 as a reinforcement of the petition: he should not live any longer. The Jews are adamant in their desire for Paul s death. ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 The governor reveals to his audience that he examined Paul and found that Paul had committed no deed worthy of capital punishment. At this point, Festus continues, Paul appealed to the emperor (see the discussion on v. 21). What the governor fails to reveal is the immediate cause for Paul s appeal. He passes over his suggestion that the trial be held in Jerusalem as a favor to the Jews (see vv. 9, 20). ) To fill this gap, the Western text adds to the text (vv. 24 25; the additions are italicized) considerably: ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 that I should hand him over to them for punishment without any defense. But I could not hand him over because of the orders that we have from the Emperor. But if anyone was going to accuse him, I said that he should follow me to Caesarea, where he) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 [) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ] ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 was being held in custody. And when they came,) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 they cried out that ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 he should be put to death. But when I heard both sides of the case,) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 I found that he was in no respect guilty of death. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 But when I said, Are you willing to be judged before them in Jerusalem?) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 he appealed to Caesar.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref44 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 44) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 The time-honored rule that the shorter text is more likely to be the original reading applies in this case. The expansion appears to be the work of a scribe who wished to present a smoother reading of the text. ) The governor speaks as a judge and reveals that he has made a ruling relative to Paul s appeal that he be sent to Rome. This decision is final, but now Festus needs help in writing an accompanying report. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 26. But I have nothing definite to write about him to His Majesty. Therefore, I have brought him before you and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation, I may have something to write. 27. For dispatching a prisoner without indicating any charges against him seems absurd to me. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 a. But I have nothing definite to write about him to His Majesty. Although court records of Paul s earlier trial are available to the governor, he knows that he has to write his own report. Festus openly confesses that he is at a loss in respect to the wording of the report. He has determined that the charges laid against Paul are unsubstantiated, yet he is unable to understand the cause for the raging anger of the Jews against him. Hence, he says that he has nothing definite to write about Paul.

In some respects, we see a parallel between Claudius Lysias, who wanted to learn from the Jewish leaders in the Sanhedrin the reason for their anger (22:30), and Governor Festus, who is asking Agrippa II, an expert in Jewish matters (26:3), to help him understand the hatred the Jews have for Paul. ) Festus refers to Emperor Nero as His Majesty. The Greek word is ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 kyrios) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , which is translated lord. So the governor actually says that he has nothing to write to ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the lord) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 . Both Augustus and Tiberius declined to be addressed by this title, but Caligula and all the emperors who followed him accepted it. Archaeological evidence has incontestably proved that Nero especially desired to be called lord. He valued the title and demanded that his subjects throughout the empire use it. Everywhere, down to the remotest village, the officials called Nero ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Kyrios) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 . ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref45 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” 45) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|” The earliest Christian confession is Jesus is Lord 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:3) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This declaration stood diametrically opposed to the slogan ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Caesar is Lord) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref46 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” 46) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In his address before Agrippa Paul boldly calls Jesus Lord (26:15). For followers of Christ, only Jesus deserves that name. ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 b. Therefore, I have brought him before you and especially before you, King Agrippa. Festus now looks to his audience for help in his predicament. He understands that the Christian religion, represented by Paul, has placed him in this plight. He expects that, of all people in the audience, Agrippa will furnish him with a solution to his problem. And he hopes that at the conclusion of the investigation, after Paul s speech and Agrippa s evaluation, he will have substantive material for his report. ) c.

For dispatching a prisoner without indicating any charges against him seems absurd to me. This remark is an understatement. Festus implies that should he send Paul to the emperor without providing written charges, he would be in serious trouble. Nero did not waste his time on matters that should have been handled by his officials in the provinces. With the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 absurd) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the governor means to say that no one in his right mind would do such a thing. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 25:23 26) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 23) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 ��������� the Greek noun derives from the verb ������� (I become visible). An English derivative is fantasy. ) ���� ����� par excellence. The idiom applies to the prominent men in the city of Caesarea. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 24 25) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 ������� they appealed. The plural form appears, even though the subject������ (multitude) is singular. ) ���� the infinitive is part of an indirect command: shouting that he ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 should) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 not live any longer. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 ����������� from the verb ����������� (I seize), this is the middle which, as a reflexive, means I grasp, find, understand. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 26) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 �� ������ something to write. Note the repetition of �� ����� (what am I to write). In the first instance, Festus states a fact with the use of the indefinite pronoun �� (something) and the aorist infinitive. In the second instance, he employs the interrogative pronoun �� (what?) and the aorist subjunctive first person singular. The subjunctive is deliberative. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 25) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 2 3 8 0 0 Festus takes the place of Governor Felix and within three days of his arrival in Caesarea travels to Jerusalem, where he meets the chief priests and elders. They press charges against Paul, who is kept prisoner in Caesarea, and ask Festus to have Paul tried in Jerusalem. Festus refuses and schedules a trial in Caesarea, where he summons Paul and listens to numerous charges which the Jews are unable to prove. Paul asserts that he has neither acted contrary to the law of the Jews or of Caesar nor desecrated the temple. When Festus asks him whether he is willing to stand trial in Jerusalem, Paul reminds the governor that he ought to be tried in a Roman court. Defending his rights, Paul appeals to Caesar.

Festus declares that Paul will go to Caesar. ) King Agrippa and Bernice arrive in Caesarea to welcome Festus, who relates to the king the case of Paul. Agrippa states that he wishes to hear Paul, and Festus assures him that his wish will be granted the following day. With great pomp Agrippa, Bernice, military officers, and prominent leaders of the city gather in Festus s audience room. When Paul has been summoned, Festus introduces him and asks the audience, especially Agrippa, to give the governor something to write to Caesar concerning the charges leveled against Paul. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 1 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.8.10 [185 88]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 2 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Emil Sch�rer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The History of the Jewish People in the Age of Jesus Christ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 9 1 -1 9 0 0 175 b.c. a.d. 135) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ), rev. and ed. Geza Vermes and Fergus Millar, 3 vols. (Edinburgh: Clark, 1973 87), vol. 1, p. 463. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 3 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 War) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 2.13.5 [261 63]; ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.8.6 [169 72]. See Sch�rer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 History of the Jewish People) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, p. 465 n. 42. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 4 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 For an early date for Felix s departure from Caesarea, see Kirsopp Lake, The Chronology of Acts, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Beginnings) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 5, pp. 464 67. Compare Colin J. Hemer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Conrad H. Gempf (T�bingen: Mohr, 1989), p. 171. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 5 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus gives the date as four years before the war 9 1 -1 9 0 0 War) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 6.5.3 [300]) and seven years and five months before the destruction of Jerusalem [308] (LCL). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 6 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.8.8 [179]; Sch�rer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 History of the Jewish People) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 2, p. 231. Ananias (see 23:2; 24:1) had been deposed. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 7 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 John Albert Bengel, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Gnomon of the New Testament) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Andrew R. Fausset, 5 vols. (Edinburgh: Clark, 1877), vol. 2, p. 710. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 8 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 11.5.3 [141]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 9 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A. T. Robertson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammar of New Testament Greek in the Light of Historical Research) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 805; Friedrich Blass and Albert Debrunner, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Greek Grammar of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. and rev. Robert Funk (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961), #316.2. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 10 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 C. F. D. Moule, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1960), p. 163. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 11 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 War) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 1.12.4 [242]; ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 14.13.1 [324]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 12 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 J. de Zwaan has tabulated ninety-five occurrences of the genitive absolute construction in Acts and shows that twenty of these are faulty. The Use of the Greek Language in Acts, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Beginnings) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 2, p. 42. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 13 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A few Greek manuscripts have inserted the comparative conjunction ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 or) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to have the text read, and there stand trial ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 or) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 before me. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 14 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A. N. Sherwin-White, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (1963; reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Baker, 1978), p. 67. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 15 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Bengel, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Gnomon of the New Testament) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 2, p. 711. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 16 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 H. J. Cadbury, Roman Law and the Trial of Paul, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Beginnings) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 5, pp. 310 11; Sch�rer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 History of the Jewish People) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, p. 369 n. 76. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 17 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Robertson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 809. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 18 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to J. M. Gilchrist, On What Charge Was St. Paul Brought to Rome? ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ExpT) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 78 (1967): 264 66; Sherwin-White, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Roman Society and Roman Law) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 57 70. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 19 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Cadbury, Roman Law and the Trial of Paul, p. 315. The appeal was called the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 provocatio,) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 which signified the right of a citizen to appeal against the verdict of a magistrate (p. 313). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 20 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 F. F. Bruce, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3d (rev. and enl.) ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990), p. 489. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 21 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Robert Hanna, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 242. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 22 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Robertson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 896. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 23 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.5.2 [103]; 20.9.4, 7 [213, 222 23]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 24 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 War) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 2.12.1 [223]; ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.5.2 [104]; see also Sch�rer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 History of the Jewish People) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, pp. 562 63, 571 73. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 25 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Compare ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 3:1) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ; refer to Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 War) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 2.12.8 [247]; ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.7.1 [138]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 26 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 War) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 2.13.2 [252]; ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.8.4 [159]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 27 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.9.4 [211]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 28 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20.7.3 [145]; Juvenal ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Satires) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 6.156 60. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 29 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Sch�rer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 History of the Jewish People) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, p. 477; see also Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 War) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 7.2.1 [23 24]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 30 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Richard B. Rackham, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Acts of the Apostles) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , Westminster Commentaries series (1901; reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Baker, 1964), p. 457 58. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 31 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Robertson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 580. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 32 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Blass and Debrunner, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek Grammar) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , #339.1; Moule, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Idiom-Book) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 100. Consult also Bruce M. Metzger, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3d corrected ed. (London and New York: United Bible Societies, 1975), p. 492. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 33 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Hemer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Book of Acts) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 348. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 34 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Before the Roman Senate and Cicero, Senator Piso declared: Our law, Senators, requires that the accused shall himself hear the charge preferred against him and shall be judged after he has made his own defence. Appian ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Civil Wars) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 3.54 (LCL). See also Tacitus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Histories) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 1.6; Jacques Dupont, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 �tudes sur les Actes des Ap�tres) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , Lectio Divina 45 (Paris: Cerf, 1967), pp. 527 52. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 35 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult John Calvin, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. David W. Torrance and Thomas F. Torrance, 2 vols. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1966), vol. 2, p. 266. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 36 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 In current English, this title would be the same as His Majesty. The speaker apparently uses several (synonymous) titles for Nero, calling him either Caesar (v. 21), Emperor 9 1 -1 9 0 0 emperor) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in the Greek text is ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Sebastos) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , which is the Latin equivalent of Augustus ), or His Majesty (v. 26). Lake and Cadbury, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Beginnings) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 4, p. 312. Consult Bauer, pp. 745 46; Thayer, p. 572. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 37 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Robertson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 919. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn38 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 38 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Hanna, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammatical Aid) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 243. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn39 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 39 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Theodor Zahn, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Die Apostelgeschichte des Lucas) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , Kommentar zum Neuen Testament series, 2 vols. (Leipzig: Deichert, 1921), vol. 2, p. 814. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn40 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 40 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 33. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn41 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 41 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Hans Conzelmann, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Acts of the Apostles) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. James Limburg, A. Thomas Kraabel, and Donald H. Juel (1963; Philadelphia: Fortress, 1987), p. 207. And Ernst Haenchen avers: Anyone who & conceives of such a presentation as a historically reliable report & must of necessity make a botch of his own correct insights. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Acts of the Apostles: A Commentary) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. Bernard Noble and Gerald Shinn (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1971), p. 679. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn42 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 42 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Rackham, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Acts) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 461. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn43 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 43 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus mentions five cohorts, each of which had a commander. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 19.9.2 [365]. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn44 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 44 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Metzger, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Textual Commentary) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 494. Refer to Albert C. Clark, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Acts of the Apostles: A Critical Edition with Introduction and Notes on Selected Passages) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (1933; Oxford: Clarendon, 1970), pp. 158 59, 381 82. And see Bruce, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Acts) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (Greek text), p. 494. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn45 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 45 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Adolf Deissmann, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Light from the Ancient East) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 , rev. ed., trans. Lionel R. M. Strachan (New York: Doran, 1927), p. 353. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn46 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 46 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Polycarp was asked to say Lord Caesar and be saved from being burned at the stake (a.d. 155). He refused. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Martyrdom of Polycarp) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 8.2. )

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