*Acts 23:23-24:27
A Roman tribune sends Paul north to Caesarea for safety after uncovering a Jewish plot against his life.
- Military Escort to Caesarea:
- Following the revelation of the assassination plot, the Roman commander arranges for Paul to be escorted to Caesarea by night for his safety.
- He writes a letter to Governor Felix explaining the situation, noting that the accusations against Paul are related to Jewish law and not Roman civil or criminal matters.
- Paul is accompanied by 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to ensure his safety.
- Paul’s Arrival and Detention in Caesarea:
- The military escort safely delivers Paul and the commander’s letter to Governor Felix.
- Felix reads the letter and, after learning that Paul is from Cilicia, decides to hear the case when his accusers arrive. Paul is kept in Herod’s Praetorium.
- Trial Before Felix:
- Five days later, the high priest Ananias arrives with elders and a lawyer named Tertullus to present their case against Paul.
- Tertullus accuses Paul of sedition, stirring up riots among Jews all over the empire, and desecrating the temple.
- Paul defends himself, insisting he has not stirred up trouble and that the charges are baseless. He acknowledges his faith in the resurrection and his worship of the God of his ancestors.
- Felix’s Postponement and Private Discussions:
- Felix, familiar with the Way, postpones the proceedings, stating he will decide the case when the commander is present.
- While waiting, Felix and his Jewish wife Drusilla have private conversations with Paul about faith in Christ.
- Felix hopes Paul will offer a bribe for his release, but when this doesn’t happen, he keeps Paul detained, periodically calling him for discussions.
- Paul’s Extended Imprisonment:
- Paul remains in custody for two years. Felix leaves Paul imprisoned when he is succeeded by Porcius Festus, hoping to do the Jews a favor.
23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
23:25 And he wrote a letter after this manner: 23:26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
23:27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
23:28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: 23:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
23:30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
23:31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
23:32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: 23:33 Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
23:34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; 23:35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
24:1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
24:2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
24:4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
24:5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 24:6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
24:7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 24:8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
24:9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
24:10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 24:11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
24:12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 24:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
24:17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
24:18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
24:19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
24:20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 24:21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
24:22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
24:23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.