From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 40—Paul Appeals to Caesar

This chapter is based on Acts 25:1-16, RSV.

“When Festus had come into his province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they urged him, asking as a favor to have the man sent to Jerusalem.” In making this request they purposed to waylay Paul along the road and murder him. TT 225.1

But Festus had a high sense of responsibility, and courteously declined. He declared that it is “not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defense.” Acts 25:16. TT 225.2

The Jews had not forgotten their former defeat at Caesarea. Again they urged that Paul be brought to Jerusalem for trial, but Festus held firmly to his purpose of giving Paul a fair trial at Caesarea. God controlled the decision of Festus, that the life of the apostle might be lengthened. TT 225.3

The Jewish leaders at once prepared to witness against Paul at the court of the procurator. Festus “took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought... . The Jews who had gone down from Jerusalem stood about him, bringing against him many serious charges which they could not prove.” As the trial proceeded, the accused with calmness and candor clearly showed the falsity of their statements. TT 225.4

Festus discerned that there was nothing in the charges against Paul that would render him subject to death or even imprisonment. Yet he saw clearly the storm of rage that would be created if Paul were not condemned or delivered into their hands. And so, “wishing to do the Jews a favor,” Festus asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem under his protection, to be tried by the Sanhedrin. TT 225.5

The apostle knew that he would be safer among the heathen than with those who had rejected light from heaven and hardened their hearts against the gospel. He therefore decided to exercise his privilege, as a Roman citizen, of appealing to Caesar: “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried; to the Jews I have done no wrong, as you know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer, and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death; but if there is nothing in their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” TT 226.1

Festus knew nothing of the conspiracies of the Jews to murder Paul and was surprised at this appeal to Caesar. However, the words of the apostle put a stop to the proceedings of the court. “Festus ... answered, ‘You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.’” TT 226.2