Chapter 22—Paul Appeals to Caesar
The governor appointed in the place of Felix, was Porcius Festus,
a far more honorable ruler. He had a higher sense of the responsibility
of his position, and, refusing to accept bribes, he endeavored to ad-
[247]
minister justice. Three days after his arrival at Caesarea, Festus went
up to Jerusalem. Here he was speedily importuned by the Jews, who
lost no time in presenting their accusations against Paul. The long
imprisonment of Paul had not softened their malignant hatred, nor
shaken their determination to take his life. They urged that he should
be tried by the Sanhedrim, and requested that he be immediately sent
to Jerusalem. Although this request was so plausible, it concealed
a deep-laid plot. They were resolved not to leave him even to the
decision of the Sanhedrim council, but to summarily dispose of the
case by murdering him on the way.
At Caesarea, Festus had already met the popular clamor against
Paul, but at Jerusalem the demand for his death was not merely the cry
of the mob. A deputation of the most honorable personages of the city,
headed by the high priest, formally presented the request concerning
Paul, not doubting that this new and inexperienced official could be
molded at pleasure, and that to gain their favor he would readily grant
all that they desired.
But Festus was not a man who would sacrifice justice to gain
popularity. The Jews soon found that they were dealing with one who
more resembled a Gallio than a Felix. With keen insight he penetrated
the motive that prompted their request, and courteously declined to
send for Paul. He stated, however, that he himself would soon return
to Caesarea, and that he would there give them a fair opportunity to
prefer their charges against him.
This was not what they wanted. Their former defeat was not
[248]
forgotten. They well knew that in contrast with the calm bearing
and forcible arguments of the apostle, their own malignant spirit and
baseless accusations would appear in the worst possible light. Again
they urged that Paul be brought to Jerusalem for trial. But Festus
174