2. Paul before the Romans
a. Sent to Caesarea - Acts 23:23-35
b. Before Felix - Acts 24:1-27
c. Before Festus and Agrippa - Acts 25:1-27; 26:1-32
Lysias (dissolving), the chief captain prepares to send Paul off...sets a total guard of 470 men...if I am reading correctly. He tasks 200 soldiers, then threescore and 10 horsemen, then 200 spearmen. Quite an assembly. I liked Gill's commentary on the 3rd hour of the night (9 p.m.) so as to be unobserved and to avoid the petition from the Jews.
Lysias: "This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman." (Acts 23:27)
Compared to what really happened:
When the centurion heard that (Paul was a Roman citizen), he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. (Acts 22:26)
Not finding fault with the official report - just an interesting observation.
Paul is kept at Herod's judgment hall ~ Gill's commentary remarks that Paul would have had liberty for people to visit. Not a prison, but an open and easily accessible compound.
judgment hall - G4232 - Of Latin origin; the praetorium or governor’s court room (sometimes including the whole edifice and camp).
The accusers make their entrance, with the orator, Tertullus (third) who was a Roman. Was he a Roman Jew? Doesn't state. I made a notation as I read through this that he speaks ego petting words to Felix. He accuses Paul of being the 'ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes' (Acts 24:5).
Paul also pets Felix's ego and states that he was neither in the temple nor a synagogue disputing nor raising the people up to rebellion. Reaffirms his belief in the resurrection from the dead, just as his forefathers.
Felix (happy) is credited with being aware of these things and 'having a more perfect knowledge of that way.' (Acts 24:22). I found that interesting as it appears to substantiate the claim of 'sect of the Nazarenes.'
Gill's commentary: and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; not Nazarites, as Calvin seems to understand the passage; for these were men of great repute among the Jews, and for Paul to be at the head of them would never be brought against him as a charge: but Nazarenes, that is, Christians, so called by way of contempt and reproach, from Jesus of Nazareth; which name and sect being contemptible among the Romans, as well as Jews, are here mentioned to make the apostle more odious.
As I was browsing the commentaries about the Nazarenes the word pestilent and how odious a charge that would have been. I liked Henry's commentary - like a plague - and who wants to have a plague running loose? No one...yet this is how they labeled Paul, as a plague. To them causing death, but to those chosen by Father, life.
2Co 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
2Co 2:16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
Bride? What savour do you put forth? Is your scent so mingled with the ways of the world that one would be hard pressed to notice a difference?
Was Felix aware of this 'way' because he was married to a Jewess, Drusilla (watered by the dew)? Paul was called for, Felix heard him concerning faith in Christ. Paul reasoned with Felix regarding righteousness (equity, especially Christian justification), temperance (self control) and judgment (decision) to come.
Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts 24:25)
He heard the truth, that there is a God, He has a righteous standard, you do not measure up, you are wicked and deserve to die, Jesus came to set the captives free, to give them eternal life. Yet, he did not make a 'decision' for Christ. Was Paul not persuasive enough? Not clear in his presentation? Not able to 'seal' the deal? I like this example from Father. Paul reasoned about righteousness, temperance and judgment, Felix heard him, yet Paul left the work of giving life to the seed to God. Felix could not 'choose' eternal life unless Father opened his eyes and ears to truly see and hear.
Felix is off the scene, enter Festus (festive). Asks Paul to return to Jerusalem to be judged, Paul refuses and appeals to Caesar. Festus has a problem, there is nothing worthy of death for which Paul has been accused, what do you say to the top judge about why you are sending someone to them?
I had not thought much on that dilemma until typing it. You send someone to the supreme judge of the land, providence, country, nation, etc. The person is not worthy of anything except to be set free. If I were the official I would be slightly annoyed by the waste of my time.
King Agrippa (wild horse tamer) and Bernice (victorious) arrive - Festus appeals to them for help in determining what message should accompany Paul on his journey to Rome. Paul gives another presentation of the gospel, those recorded as in attendance: Festus, king Agrippa, Bernice, chief captains and principal men of the city.
Paul: "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest." (Acts 26:27)
How did Paul know that Agrippa had read or had heard of the prophets? How could he know that Agrippa believed them? Agrippa's response:
"persuadest (convince) me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:28)
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. (Acts 26:29)
I reflected upon those who were in attendance...they all heard the presentation...Paul was aware of this. How aware are we, that when we give a word of counsel, speak forth HIS words, interact with one another, that we are giving a 'presentation' of the gospel. We are either speaking it or living it. I feel greatly convicted for all the times I could have been a better witness and wasn't. The times when I could or should have spoken forth words of life to those who were dead and did not. Lord, please forgive me for not being a bold witness, for hiding Your light. Help Your Bride Lord, to be cleansed, prepared and ready to give an answer for the hope that is within her.
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