Chapter 26—Sojourn at Rome
According to Roman law, the trial of Paul could not take place
until his accusers should be present in person to state their charges
against him. They had not yet come from Palestine, nor was it known
at Rome whether they had even started on the long journey. Therefore
the trial might be postponed indefinitely. Little regard was shown for
the rights of those supposed to have violated the law. It was often
the case that an accused person was kept in prison a long time, by
the delay of the prosecutors to prefer their charges; or his trial might
be deferred by the caprice of those in power. A corrupt judge could
hold a prisoner in custody for years, as did Felix in the case of Paul,
to gratify popular prejudice, or in hope of securing a bribe. These
judges were, however, amenable to a higher tribunal, and this would
in some measure serve as a restraint upon them. But the emperor was
subjected to no such restraint. His authority was virtually unlimited,
and he often permitted caprice, malice, or even indolence, to hinder or
prevent the administration of justice.
The Jews of Jerusalem were in no haste to present their accusations
against Paul. They had been repeatedly thwarted in their designs, and
had no desire to risk another defeat. Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa
had all declared their belief in his innocence. His enemies could hope
for success only in seeking by intrigue to influence the emperor in
their favor. Delay would further their object, as it would afford them
time to perfect and execute their plans.
[281]
In the providence of God, all this delay resulted in the furtherance
of the gospel. Paul was not condemned to a life of inactivity. He was
allowed free intercourse with his friends, and was permitted to dwell
in a commodious house, where he daily presented the truth to those
who flocked to listen to his words. Thus for two years he continued,
“preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which
concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding
him.” And his labors were not confined to the preaching of the gospel.
The “care of all the churches” still rested upon him. He deeply felt the
199