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Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. ² And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, ³ asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. ⁴ Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. ⁵ “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.” (Acts 25:1–5 (ESV)

Previously, Luke mentioned that Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as the Roman governor of Judea (Acts 24:27). The precise date of Festus’s accession to power is debatable but has been narrowed to sometime between ad 55 and 60. The only sources mentioning Festus are the book of Acts and the writings of Josephus, a Jewish historian who lived in Rome in the first century ad (Antiquities 20.8.9–11; 9.1).

One commentator writes, “Josephus wrote that Festus ruled wisely and justly, in contrast to Felix and Albinus, Festus’ successor. Sicarii bandits (named after the small swords they carried) who had terrorized the Palestinian countryside were eliminated under Festus’s rule. In spite of this, he could not reverse the damage incurred by his predecessor, Felix, who had aggravated the conflict between pagans and Jews.”

Luke records that three days after Festus arrived in the Judean province, he traveled from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Upon his arrival, Luke states, “And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.”

However, Festus proved to be every bit a shrewd and savvy with the Jewish leaders. Luke records Festus refusing their request saying that Paul would be kept at Caesarea and that Festus himself intended to go there shortly. Festus also stated, “Let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

Festus granted the Jews another opportunity to bring their case against Paul. However, he did not grant them the change of venue they desired.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Festus must protect Paul while he was in Roman custody. Probably having reviewed the letter from the tribune Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:26-30), that explains Paul’s relocation to custody in the provincial capital, Festus refuses the request of the Jews, saving Paul from their plot.”

Today’s text once again displays the sovereign providence of God in the life of the Apostle Paul. The same sovereign providence is active among believers today. May each of us rest in God’s sovereignty.

Soli deo Gloria!

²² But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” ²³ Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

²⁴ After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵ And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” ²⁶ At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. ²⁷ When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.” (Acts 24:22–27 (ESV)

Felix was nobody’s fool. He certainly wasn’t fooled by the inept case brought by the Jews against the Apostle Paul. Luke records that Felix had a more accurate knowledge of Christianity, the Way, than did the Jews from Jerusalem. As a result, Felix adjourned the hearing and said, ““When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.”

However, the Roman tribune Claudius Lysias had already expressed his opinion concerning Paul’s innocence in his letter to Felix (Acts 23:23-30). It seems that Felix believed Lysias because while he had Paul kept in custody, he extended to Paul liberties including permitting his friends to visit him and to attend to his needs.

Several days followed whereupon Felix, accompanied by Drusilla who was his third wife and who was also Jewish, sent for Paul and heard him share the Gospel and faith in Jesus Christ. Paul spoke about God’s imputed righteousness on behalf of sinners, the Christian virtue of self-control and the coming judgment of God.  

As a result of Paul’s preaching the truth of the Gospel, Felix became frightened and ordered Paul away from His presence until a later time. However, being a consummate politician, he hoped that Paul would offer him a bribe for his release. Receiving none, Felix continued to send for Paul and to have conversations with him. There is no evidence, though, that Felix ever repented of his sins and became a believer in Christ.

Paul was no respecter of persons. He preached the Gospel and confronted unrighteousness whenever and wherever he could. He loved the truth and also knew his eventual destiny was in God’s sovereign control and not in a human politician’s. Such fearlessness is needed today.

Soli deo Gloria!

^17 “Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. ¹⁸ While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— ¹⁹ they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. ²⁰ Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, ²¹ other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’ ” (Acts 24:17–21 (ESV)

The Jews presented three accusations against the Apostle Paul when both parties came before the Roman Governor Felix. The Jews accused Paul of (1) causing riots among Jews all over the world and (2) being a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:1-9). Both accusations Paul refuted.

The third accusation was that he profaned the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Paul indicated that he was in the temple court, having come to Jerusalem to present alms and offerings from the Gentile churches to the church in Jerusalem, to purify himself according to the custom of the Jews (Acts 21:17-26). While he did so there was no crowd and there was no riot.

On the contrary, Paul indicated the riot was caused by certain Jews from Asia. Paul indicated that these Jews did not even come to the trial. He stated that these were the ones who should be present accusing him if they had anything against him. At the very least,

Since the Jews who were present at this particular trial were not first-hand eyewitnesses of what took place in the temple, they should at least testify what occurred when Paul stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1-9). The apostle stated that the real reason he was before Felix was because of the truth of the resurrection of the dead through Jesus Christ alone. This was a truth that half of the Sanhedrin did not accept or believe. It was the truth for which the apostle stood on trial.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “You may never testify about your faith in a court of law. You may not have Paul’s oratorical skills. No matter. You must live and speak of the One, True God day by day. Never hesitate to bring up spiritual things. You will face ridicule and anger, but your testimony may be used in ways you cannot imagine. Simply speak and trust God for the results.”

Be strong and courageous beloved (Joshua 1:1-9). Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Three: Of God’s Eternal Decree. Part 4.

8. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care,^a that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election.^b So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God;^c and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel.^d

a. Deut 29:29; Rom 9:20. • b. 2 Pet 1:10. • c. Rom 11:33; Eph 1:6. • d. Luke 10:20; Rom 8:33; 11:5-6, 20; 2 Pet 1:10.

Take the time today to read each attribute along with its corresponding biblical reference. You will be blessed and edified.

Soli deo Gloria!

^10 “And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. ¹¹ You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, ¹² and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. ¹³ Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. ¹⁴ But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, ¹⁵ having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. ¹⁶ So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” (Acts 24:10–16 (ESV)

When Felix gave the Apostle Paul permission to speak, he did not waste time, or his breath, in flattering the Roman governor. Rather, he immediately made his defense against the Jews’ accusations.

First, Paul asserted that he had only been in Jerusalem for 12 days. Second, he indicated that he had not been disputing with anyone, or stirring up a crowd, during that time. Third, Paul asserted that his Jewish accusers could not prove any of the charges against him. So much for the negative.

Paul then made his assertive defense in the form of a confession. A confession is a personal acknowledgement or declaration of truth. Often, a confession is made when an individual admits their guilt in having committed a crime. Such was not the case with the Apostle’s Paul confession.

Paul stated that he was a worshipper of the One, True God. In addition, as a disciple of Jesus Christ and a member of the Way, he confessed his trust in, commitment to, and dependence upon the Word of God. Finally, he acknowledged his confident expectation in God was centered in the resurrection of the dead: for both the just and the unjust. Paul stated that his conscience was clear in that he had not violated any Jewish, or Roman, law and that he also was obedient to Jesus Christ.

Dr. Simon Kistemaker writes, “Paul blunts the significance of the Jews’ accusation by putting his admission within the context of serving Israel’s God.”

Each believer in Christ faces the possibility of being asked to deny their belief in the Gospel. Ask God to give you holy boldness to confess and live for Christ before the people you encounter each day.

Soli deo Gloria!

“And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. ² And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, ³ in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. ⁴ But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. ⁵ For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. ⁶ He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. ⁸ By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” ⁹ The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.” (Acts 24:1–9 (ESV)

Are you familiar with the phrase, “flattery will get you nowhere.” While its origin is unknown, there are several ancient Greek and Roman statesmen who are credited with originating the phrase including Aristophanes (388 B.C.), Cato (175 B.C.), and Cicero (45 B.C.). 

Flattery is another word for compliments given to someone. The phrase, “flattery will get you nowhere” means that compliments will not persuade someone to do what you want them to do.

It is interesting to note that the Jews from Jerusalem, who came to Caesarea to address the Roman governor Felix and verbally attack the Apostle Paul, began their address by using no small amount of flattery before the governor. They praised the Roman procurator, not only for his personal leadership but also for the peace and prosperity the region was enjoying.

The ironic hypocrisy is that the Jews hated the Romans. Additionally, Felix’ administration was so oppressive that the Roman Emperor Nero recalled him two years after Paul’s trial. In fact, it was because of Felix’ repressive governing that the Jews revolted against Rome culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish temple in 70 A.D.

The Jews in general, and their spokesperson, Tertullus, in particular offer many accusations against Paul. However, they offer no evidence or proof of the apostle’s guilt.

Flattery is a form of dishonesty. It leads to all kinds of evil. I encourage you to read the following verses and meditate upon God’s truth concerning honest speech. See Proverbs 5:1-9, Proverbs 20:19, Proverbs 29:1-5, Romans 16:18 and Jude 16.

Let us all pray that our speech would be truthful.

Soli deo Gloria!

^31 “So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. ³² And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. ³³ When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. ³⁴ On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, ³⁵ he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium. (Acts 23:31-35)

The two day journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea was safely accomplished and the Roman soldiers delivered the Apostle Paul to the Roman Governor, Felix. Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Felix is one of three Roman procurators mentioned in the New Testament. The others are Pontius Pilate (a.d. 26–36) and Porcius Festus (a.d. 58–62). Felix married Drusilla (24:24), a sister of Herod Agrippa II, the Agrippa in Acts 25:13–26:32.”

It is speculation on our part to know whether Paul thought he would be quickly released by the governor. What we do know from today’s text is that Felix, having learned Paul was from Cilicia, determined to have a hearing once the apostle’s accusers arrived from Jerusalem. The governor needed to know whether he had jurisdiction to hear Paul’s case. Since Judea and Cilicia were at that time both under the representative of Syria, Felix had the authority to preside over Paul’s hearing. Felix ordered that Paul be kept safe, and under guard, in King Herod’s praetorium or governmental offices.  

What will occur will be a period of political red tape for Paul and his desire to travel to the city of Rome. However, his trust in the LORD never wavered, in spite of frustrating circumstances. May this be said of each of us.

Soli deo Gloria!

^23 “Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. ²⁴ Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” ²⁵ And he wrote a letter to this effect:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. ²⁸ And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. ²⁹ I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. ³⁰ And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.” (Acts 23:23–30 ESV)

I have often stated that one of the evidences that the Bible is the Word of God is that it presents biblical characters as they really are: humans with the corresponding faults and frailties of sinners. The Roman Tribune Claudius Lysias is no exception.  

The tribune wrote a letter to the Roman Governor Felix. Felix was a former slave. As a freedman, he ascended to an influential position in the Roman government under Emperor Claudius in A.D. 52. He served as governor for eight years.  

In his letter, the tribune related the facts, in summary fashion, to the governor concerning the Apostle Paul’s arrest and subsequent transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea. However, regarding his leadership in the situation, the tribune Claudius played loose with the truth.

First, he told the governor that he rescued Paul when he learned that the apostle was a Roman citizen. The truth is, Claudius did not discover Paul’s Roman citizenship until he was about the have Paul scourged (Acts 22:22-29).

Second, Claudius did not mention that melee which occurred with the Sanhedrin. Perhaps he did not want the governor to perceive any lack of law and order under the tribune’s leadership.

Regardless, Claudius did give Felix his opinion that the case had to do with Jewish law, and not a violation of Roman law by the Apostle Paul.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “All that comes to pass is according to God’s will and for His glory.” This was so true in Paul’s life, and so true in our own.

Soli deo Gloria!

^23 “Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. ²⁴ Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” ²⁵ And he wrote a letter to this effect:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. ²⁸ And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. ²⁹ I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. ³⁰ And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.” (Acts 23:23–30 (ESV)

Dr. J.I. Packer writes, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Pro. 16:33). “God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions” (Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.11). If Creation was a unique exercise of divine energy causing the world to be, providence is a continued exercise of that same energy whereby the Creator, according to his own will, (a) keeps all creatures in being, (b) involves himself in all events, and (c) directs all things to their appointed end. The model is of purposive personal management with total “hands-on” control: God is completely in charge of his world. His hand may be hidden, but his rule is absolute. The nature of God’s “concurrent” or “confluent” involvement in all that occurs in his world, as – without violating the nature of things, the ongoing causal processes, or human free agency – he makes his will of events come to pass, is a mystery to us, but the consistent biblical teaching about God’s involvement is as stated above.

The Lord used not only the Roman tribune Claudius Lysias, but also 200 hundred Roman soldiers, 70 Roman horseman, and 200 Roman spearmen in order to bring the Apostle Paul safely to the Roman Governor, Felix, who was residing in Caesarea. This large contingent set out during the third hour of the night, which began at 9:00 p.m.

Why did Claudius send out almost half of his 1,000 man garrison? There are likely three reasons.

First, the tribune knew that there were at least 40 men planning to kill Paul. Perhaps he thought there might be even more. This large force would provide ample protection. Second, this many soldiers might not raise suspicion about Claudius’ plan to quietly send Paul away from Jerusalem since such large troop movements were common. Third, Claudius was perhaps protecting himself. By assembling such a large force, he could argue he did everything possible to protect Paul, if the apostle was killed on his way to Caesarea.

Claudius even wrote a letter to Governor Felix. We will examine the contents of the letter when next we meet. I encourage you to rest in the sovereign providence of God.

Soli deo Gloria!     

^16 “Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. ¹⁷ Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” ¹⁹ The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” ²⁰ And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. ²¹ But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” ²² So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.” (Acts 23:16–22 (ESV)

While the LORD is providentially acting and leading us throughout our lives, He does not, however, promise a pleasant journey. The road unto eternal righteousness in the presence of Christ can be difficult and dangerous.

Jesus Himself said, “¹¹ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12 (ESV). He also told his disciples, “³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 (ESV).

The LORD providentially foiled the plot of the Jews who desired to kill Paul. God used Paul’s nephew, who was able to warn his uncle about the impending plot against his life. Upon hearing this, Paul sent his sister’s son to the tribune.

Upon hearing of the conspiracy, Claudius (Acts 23:26) dismissed Paul’s nephew and charged him not to tell anyone else what he knew about the assassination plot. He then put into play a plan that would begin the apostle’s long journey to the imperial city, Rome. The Jews’ plot actually served God’s sovereign purpose.

For further study, I encourage you to read Genesis 11:1-8, Psalm 37:1-13, John 4:28-30 and acts 4:27-28. Have a blessed day as you reflect upon the providence of God.

Soli deo Gloria!