Paul Before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa

“At Caesarea, Paul has three opportunities to present his defense and to preach the gospel to the Roman authorities who now hold him under arrest.  The first appearance is before Felix, the governor and procurator of Judea.  Felix knows enough about ‘The Way’ to realize that there is no substance to the charges being brought against Paul.  But he is primarily motivated by greed and therefore is angered when Paul fails to offer a bribe.

Felix is succeeded by Porcius Festus, about whom little is known.  Festus also finds no fault in Paul and suggests that Paul once again be taken before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.  But Paul (who, though a Jew, is also a Roman citizen by birth) exercises his right to appeal his case to Caesar.

Festus expresses frustration regarding Paul’s case to a visiting King Herod Agrippa II, who asks if he can hear Paul’s story for himself.  Paul’s presentation before Agrippa summarizes his personal conversion and subsequent ministry.  Agrippa appears to be uncomfortably vulnerable to the gospel message presented by Paul.  But if Agrippa is touched at all, there is no record that he ever responds in full belief.”

Read:  Acts 24, 25 & 26

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.