Governor Felix Governor Felix and Pauland Paul

• Left Paul in prison for 2 years as a favor to the Jews

Nero Replaces Felix with FestusNero Replaces Felix with Festus

• Felix was a terrible ruler who hated the Jews

• Festus was much stronger and fairer

• Died after only 3 years

Nero Replaces Felix with FestusNero Replaces Felix with Festus

• Felix was a terrible ruler who hated the Jews

• Festus was much stronger and fairer

• Died after only 3 years in office

FestusFestusA.D. 56A.D. 56

Justice Delayed is Justice DeniedJustice Delayed is Justice Denied

• Three days after arriving – 25:1

• The next day – 25:6

• I did not delay – 25:17

• Contrast with the 2 years Felix left Paul in prison!

Trial in Trial in CaesareaCaesarea

Palace and Praetorium in Caesarea(Where the Pilate Inscription is located)

Paul’s DefensePaul’s Defense

• I have done nothing wrong against the Jews

• Or against the Temple

• Or against CaesarActs 25:8

I appeal to Caesar!

To Caesar you will go!

Acts 25:11 Acts 25:12

The Caesar before whom Paul would

have stood was

Nero!A.D. 54 - 68

King Agrippa IIKing Agrippa II& Bernice& Bernice

• Brother and Sister• Siblings of Drusilla (Wife of Felix)

• Children of Agrippa I

• Great-grandchildren of Herod the Great

King Agrippa King Agrippa

• 17 when his father died (Acts 12)

• Given a small kingdom

• Territory grew – Became Curator of Jerusalem Temple

• Power to appoint High Priest

Bernice Bernice

• Could be her own soap opera• Married an uncle at 13 (he died)

• Moved in with her brother• Rumors of incest (Josephus Jewish

Antiquities 20.145-46)

• Later remarried/divorced/returned to Herod Agrippa II

Bernice Bernice

• Became a mistress of Titus after the fall of Jerusalem

• Titus had to send her away in order to become Emperor of Rome in A.D. 79

Conclusions of FestusConclusions of Festus

• Dispute with him about their own religion (19)

• A dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive (19)

• Nothing deserving of death (25)

• I (need) something to write (26)

Paul’s DefensePaul’s Defenseto Agrippato Agrippa

• I lived as a Pharisee (4-8)

• I opposed the name of Jesus (9-11)

• I saw a light from heaven (12-18)

33rdrd Account of Account of Paul’s ConversionPaul’s Conversion

• Shortest of the 3

• No mention of Ananias

• Focus on the calling from God to go to the Gentiles

Festus Interrupts PaulFestus Interrupts Paul

• You are out of your mind, Paul! (24)

• Your great learning is driving you insane (24)

• He interrupted when Paul began talking about RESURRECTION

2 Explosive Words (23)2 Explosive Words (23)

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?

I know you do.

Do you think that in such a short time you can

persuade me to be a Christian?

The VerdictThe Verdict• Paul was innocent

• He could have been set free

• Must send him to Rome

Re-enter Luke!(Last seen in 21:18)

The Centurion The Centurion (27:1)

• Julius

• Centurions were professionals

• Was impressed with Paul from the start

Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss of

ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.

(27:10)

• Typhoon hit them at Crete

• “Sandbars of Syrtis” (17) are in N. Africa

• “We…gave up hope” (20)

• You must stand trial before Caesar

• 18:9 – Corinth

• 23:11 – Jerusalem

Do Not Fear!Do Not Fear!

• Complete dark (20)

• 14 nights (27)

• 276 people

• Struck sandbar

• Saved by the Centurion