MPV Commentary

Festus comes to Jerusalem, Declines to Have Paul Brought

Festus arrived in Jerusalem three days after his appointment as governor of Judea, eager to familiarize himself with the city and its people.

The high priest, a successor of the one who had previously interrogated Paul (Acts 23:2), along with the chief of the Jews and the entire Jewish multitude, clamorously informed Festus against Paul.

They requested favor against him, essentially asking for his execution without trial. Their plea was to have the case tried in Jerusalem, where the alleged offense took place. However, it appears that Festus had already been made aware of their causeless malice and had some understanding with Paul about this (Acts 25:10).

Festus replied that Paul should remain in custody at Caesarea and that he would depart for there shortly.

He suggested that the Jews who were able to travel could go down to Caesarea, implying that they should take their leading men with them. The Jewish delegation from Jerusalem continued to clamorously express many and grievous complaints against Paul, which seem to have been a jumbled mix of political and religious charges that they were unable to substantiate.

Festus, eager to please the Jews, asked Paul if he would be willing to go up to Jerusalem for another hearing before him. However, this proposal was likely meant as a way to avoid the appearance of refusing their request rather than an genuine offer of a fair trial.

Paul responded that he stood at Caesar's judgment seat and had already been brought before the proper tribunal. He pointed out that he had done no wrong to the Jews, as Festus knew very well. Paul also stated that if there were no charges against him, no one should be able to deliver him into their hands.

In light of these circumstances, Paul appealed to Caesar, a right granted to every Roman citizen in cases involving life and death. He did so because he was confident in his innocence and the fairness of a Roman tribunal, but also because he knew that a trial in Jerusalem would put his life at risk.

Festus, taken aback by Paul's appeal, consulted with the council about its admissibility. After conferring with them, Festus said to Paul, "You will go to Caesar," as if implying that he should see how things turned out.