Sha’ul’s Appears Before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa ~ Part 1

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We continue in the Book of Acts. Sha’ul’s Appears to the Roman Authorities beginning in Acts 24:1.

Background

At Caesarea, Sha’ul has three opportunities to present his defense and to preach the Gospel to the Roman authorities who hold him under arrest. The first appearance is before Felix, the Governor and Procurator of Judea. Felix was initially appointed by Claudius Caesar and then confirmed by Claudia’s successor, Nero. Felix’s wife, Drusilla, mentioned in Luke, is the daughter of Herod Agrippa I and sister of Herod Agrippa II, before whom Sha’ul will also appear. Felix knows enough about “The Way” to realize that there is no substance to the charges being brought against Sha’ul, and Luke’s account hints that Felix is even somewhat troubled by Sha’ul’s teaching. However, he is primarily motivated by greed and is angered when Sha’ul fails to offer a bribe. Luke’s record notes that Sha’ul is forced to remain in jail for two years, and Felix is removed from office.

Felix is succeeded by Porcius Festus, about whom little is known. Fetus also finds no fault in Sha’ul and suggests that Sha’ul once again be taken before the Sanhedrin in Yerushalayim. But Sha’ul exercises his rite as a Jewish Roman citizen and appeals his case to Ceaser.

Shortly after his appeal, Festus is visited by King Herod Agrippa II and his sister Bernice. When Festus expresses frustration regarding Sha’ul’s case, Agrippa asks if he can hear Sha’ul’s story for himself. Sha’ul summarizes his personal conversion and subsequent ministry for Agrippa. At the conclusion of his discourse, Luke relates a memorable conversion between Agrippa and Sha’ul in which Agrippa appears to be uncomfortably vulnerable to the Gospel message. But there is no historical record that he did accept Yeshua as his Savior. [1]

Indictment Against Sha’ul [2]

24 ¹ After five days, the Cohen HaGadol Hananyah came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they presented their case against Sha’ul to the governor. ² Sha’ul was called, and Tertullus began to make the charges: “Felix, your Excellency, it is because of you that we enjoy unbroken peace, and it is your foresight that has brought to this nation

It was customary to begin a presentation in court with a compliment, in this case, flattery so excessive as to contradict the facts.

³ so many reforms in so many areas. It is with the utmost gratitude that we receive this. ⁴ But, in order not to take up too much of your time, I beg your indulgence to give us a brief hearing. ⁵ “We have found this man a pest. He is an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Natzratim.

Tertullus presents the accusation against Sha’ul briefly but not well. Being a pest is hardly an indictable crime.

6 He even tried to profane the Temple, but we arrested him.

The Jews thought he had done so (Acts 21:28), but by this time, even his accusers realized he had not. Attempting profane of the Temple is a reduced charge. We arrested him. This is a gross understatement—they wanted to lynch him.

 ⁷[Some manuscripts include verses 6b–8a: We wanted to try him under our own law, ⁷ but Lysias the commander intervened. He took him out of our hands by force ⁸ and ordered his accuser to appear before you.]

Even in the manuscripts that provide this additional information, Tertullus avoids mentioning why Lysias, the commander, intervened, namely, to save Sha’ul from the plot on his life (23:12–24).

⁸ By questioning this man yourself, you will be able to learn all about the things of which we are accusing him.” ⁹ The Judeans also joined in the accusation and alleged that these were the facts. [3]

In our next post, we continue to learn about Sha’ul’s Appearances Before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.

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^[1] The Narrated Bible in Chronological Order by F. LaGard Smith.

^[2] This occurs in 58 CE.

[3] Acts 24:1-9