But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”
Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defence concerning the charge laid against him.
Comment: What favour was Festus seeking to give the Jews? Had he heard about the murder plan and by suggesting that Paul return to Jerusalem he would give them another chance? Or maybe if Paul were in Jerusalem there would be more opportunity for the Jews, on home ground, to win the case? As a Roman citizen Paul claims a right to go the top of the Roman justice system – Caesar. And that is the decision! You may think that the Jews would have little sway in Rome, but, from history, we wonder if Paul will get much justice from Caesar!
Agrippa and Bernice’s arrival gives Festus a chance to get another opinion on the case, and, no doubt, more to put in his letter when Paul travels to Rome!
Prayer: Delays in decisions can be frustrating, Father. Teach us patience, please.
As I read it! 