…Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
Acts 25: 13-27
Paul, still being held by Festus in Caesarea, is waiting for the order to travel to Rome to make his appeal before Caesar. King Agrippa and Bernice, his wife, come to Caesarea to greet Festus and welcome him to the area. Since the king was staying several days, Festus discussed Paul’s case with them. Festus laid out no legal charges that could be brought against Paul, saying that the dispute had to do with the religion of the Jews and he did not know what to write to Caesar about Paul’s appeal. So, the following day, Festus had Paul brought before Agrippa and his wife to hear Paul’s defense. Festus sought advice from Agrippa regarding what he could write to Caesar regarding Paul’s appeal. In the way Luke wrote verse 27, one might think that Festus had sympathy toward Paul. No, Festus was sending Paul to Rome because Paul appealed to Rome rather than go to Jerusalem for a hearing. Festus has exhausted his mind as to charging Paul and, now, he seeks Agrippa’s take on Paul’s case. Like the evil religious leaders, these two men will arrive at some “charge(s)” to be reviewed by Caesar. There is no sympathy for the prisoner, Paul, here. We must remember that Paul is being led by the Holy Spirit. Paul will fulfill Jesus’ promise to him to speak before men of great influence in the world of that day. Paul will get a free “ride” to Rome and he will speak to Caesar. Paul will also preach the gospel to many in the house of Nero and, many will be converted by the Holy Spirit. As Christians, today, we must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in every part of our lives. Too often, Christians try to separate the daily living from living wholly for our Savior and Lord, Jesus.
Source: S C Ball August 12, 2023
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