Study Desk

Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, "Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him."

But don't do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent."

Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, "Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o'clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops.

Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix."

When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor: "You have provided a long period of peace for us Jews and with foresight have enacted reforms for us.

For all of this, Your Excellency, we are very grateful to you.

But I don't want to bore you, so please give me your attention for only a moment.

The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, "I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you.

except for the one time I shouted out, ‘I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!'"

A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.

As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. "Go away for now," he replied. "When it is more convenient, I'll call for you again."

He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.

Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem,

During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. "There is a prisoner here," he told him, "whose case was left for me by Felix.

"When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn't delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in.

"But what shall I write the emperor? For there is no clear charge against him. So I have brought him before all of you, and especially you, King Agrippa, so that after we examine him, I might have something to write.

For it makes no sense to send a prisoner to the emperor without specifying the charges against him!"

for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!

In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope!

We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.'