Acts 25:13–27

 ¹³ And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. ¹⁴ When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, ¹⁵ about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. ¹⁶ To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ ¹⁷ Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. ¹⁸ When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, ¹⁹ but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. ²⁰ And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. ²¹ But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.” ²² Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” ²³ So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in. ²⁴ And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. ²⁵ But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. ²⁶ I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. ²⁷ For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.” 

Commentary 

Vs. 13 “And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.” 

And so, it was that the Apostle Paul spent many days in custody while Festus apparently waited for a time when he could send him to Caesar at Rome to make his defense there (vs. 21). Now during this time King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. Now King Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I, who was the same Herod who killed the Apostle James (Acts 12:1-4; 20-24). While Bernice was his sister whom he married, and according to antiquity she was both a woman of unusual beauty as well as being quite unsavory (gleaned from Believers Bible Commentary).  

Vs. 14-16 ¹⁴ When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, ¹⁵ about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. ¹⁶ To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ 

Now with their arrival the Apostle Paul’s case was not immediately presented to king Herod, instead the Scripture says many days past with them being there with him before Festus even mentioned Paul to them. Now when Festus did, he told how Paul had been left bound by Felix (whom he had replaced) and so when he had assumed his position as governor of Judea the chief priests and elders of the Jews came from Jerusalem to Caesarea asking for a judgment against Paul, basically they were seeking to get him to condemn Paul to death (vs. 14). However, Festus resisted this by saying to them that it was not the custom of the Romans to condemn a man until he could meet his accusers face to face and have opportunity to respond to the charges being laid against him. 

Vs. 17-19 ¹⁷ Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. ¹⁸ When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, ¹⁹ but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 

Having then ordered the Jews to come to Caesarea and lay their charges against Paul before him at the judgment seat. Festus upon their arrival had Paul brought out before him, and them, so that he could adjudicate the case. However, as Festus listened to their serious complaints and charges that they laid against Paul, it became fully apparent to him that this was not a matter of crimes or violations of Roman law, rather it all centered around their religion, and one Man, Jesus whom had died, (i.e., had been crucified) whom Paul affirmed to be alive, (that is resurrected from the dead). However, by Festus recalling these things in such an obtuse manner one can clearly see that he was utterly ignorant and completely blinded to the significance of what these things actually meant for him, and for all (which is accord with the Scriptures, consider 1 Cor. 2:12-16). 

Vs. 20-22 ²⁰ And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. ²¹ But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.” ²² Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” 

Having then confessed his own ignorance (and thus revealed his own spiritual blindness to these things) and knowing he could not condemn Paul for the Jews; Festus now recalls how he tried to appease them by asking Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried there before their Sanhedrin council (which governed the Jews religious affairs, vs. 20). However, when Paul appealed to Caesar for ruling from him, Festus’ hands were essentially tied, because Paul was a Roman citizen by birth and could not be condemned to death until he had a chance to make his defense before Caesar (vs. 21). Therefore, Festus tells king Agrippa that is why Paul has remained in custody, until he could send him to Rome to stand before Caesar for a verdict there. Now when king Agrippa heard all of that he said that he also would like to hear Paul, for he was Jew, (but not by birth), and even in that he was not an observant one, at least not in what matters. Nevertheless, his curiosity was stirred by what he heard. As well maybe he could shed some light on what Festus needed to send Paul charged with to Rome. For clearly Festus had no desire to release Paul and anger the Jews. For he had been sent there by Rome to quell the growing spirit of upheaval that was then taking place at Jerusalem, and releasing Paul would only infuriate them. 

Vs. 23-27 ²³ So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in. ²⁴ And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. ²⁵ But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. ²⁶ I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. ²⁷ For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.” 

And so, it was with all of the pomp and ceremony that Festus could muster to impress the crowds, and honor his guests king Agrippa and his wife Bernice, they now enter the auditorium as some of Rome’s royalty, being escorted by military commanders and the prominent men of the city. Having then taken their places and seats, at Festus’ command Paul was then brought in and placed before them (vs. 23). It’s a picture really of the world and all of its privilege, pomp, and power, and every believer’s person as only being on trial before them, but not for crimes and misdemeanors, but only for our faith In Christ (Matt. 10:16-20). Having then brought out Paul before them, (and all those assembled there), Festus now recalls to king Agrippa and his wife Bernice and all the prominent people assembled there with them, how Paul came to be in this state. How the Jews both in Jerusalem and Caesarea had strongly and vehemently petitioned him to put Paul to death, saying that he was no longer fit to live (vs. 24-25). However, as Festus says, he could find nothing that Paul had done that was deserving of death or chains. However instead of releasing him (which would’ve enraged the Jews), but would’ve been the right and just thing to do. Festus now uses Paul’s own request to appeal for the verdict of Caesar, rather than stand trial again before the Jews Sanhedrin council at Jerusalem, (and thus be spared from being killed by them there) to justify Paul’s ongoing incarnation, and his soon to be sent to Rome for the verdict of Caesar about his person. However, as Festus says he has nothing to write to Rome about Paul as to why he should be sent there for Caesars verdict, and so by having king Agrippa; who was well versed in the Jews religion; he says he is hoping that he could shed some light on what he should write regarding Paul and specifying the charges that are to be laid against him (Vs. 26-27). This then was not a trial per-say, but rather an inquiry so as to ascertain what to send Paul to Rome charged with. 

Note: This passage runs through more than one chapter, and several sections (or paragraph breaks), therefore it will be continued on in the next blog entry

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 25:1–12

 ¹ Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. ² Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, ³ asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. ⁴ But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. ⁵ “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.” ⁶ And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. ⁷ When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, ⁸ while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.” ⁹ But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?” ¹⁰ So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. ¹¹ For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” ¹² Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”

 Commentary 

Vs. 1 “Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.” 

Governor Felix’s replacement, Festus now comes to Judea where he was to rule on behalf of Rome. And so, after spending three days in Caesarea where the governor’s residence was, he then goes to Jerusalem. For it was because of the Jews complaining bitterly complaining about Festus’ corrupt rule and violence against them, that Rome had brought him in to settle things down. For there were now ever-increasing uprisings amongst the Jews there. (And sadly, these would increase until Nero would burn and sack Jerusalem and destroy the Temple as Jesus warned and foretold would happen). 

Vs. 2-3 ² Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, ³ asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. 

When Festus came to Jerusalem he met with the high priest and the chief men of Jerusalem, and it was during this time that they petitioned him, “asking a favor against him, (that is the Apostle Paul), that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him.” ^{Vs. 3} Obviously, they did not tell Festus that they planned to kill Paul as he would have him brought to Jerusalem to be interviewed before him while he himself was there. 

Vs. 4-5 ⁴ But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. ⁵ “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.” 

However, Festus did not want to bring the Apostle Paul to Jerusalem. Instead, he said he would be leaving shortly, and so Paul should be kept back at Caesarea, and that those there who had authority should go down with him to Caesarea and accuse Paul before him there, to see if there were any charges that were to be laid against Paul (for Festus was more than willing to charge Paul to appease the Jews if they could make any sort of case against him). And yet in spite of that one cannot but see the Sovereign hand of God in his deciding not to bring Paul there. For verse six states that Festus himself will stay ten more days in Jerusalem before departing, which was plenty of time to have brought Paul there and examined there. 

Vs. 6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. 

Festus then spends ten more days in Jerusalem before returning to Caesarea, and on the next day after his return there, he went out and sat on the judgment seat and commanded Paul to be brought before him. Now the judgment seat was a public venue where the ruler was situated on an elevated platform and while seated, he rendered his verdict while looking down upon the accused. 

Vs. 7-8 ⁷ When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, ⁸ while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.” 

With Festus seated the Apostle Paul was then brought before him, and so were the Jews from Jerusalem also brought before him to state their case against him. Now when they did, they made very many serious complaints against Paul, however they could prove nothing of which they accused Paul, for it was all just slander and evil innuendo (vs. 7). Therefore, the Apostle Paul in answering for himself, and knowing his innocence of the things they were accusing him of having done, simply told the truth and said in his own defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.” ^{Vs. 8} 

Vs. 9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?” 

Here we see Festus’ bias, for he was wanting to the Jews a favor, and so he now recalls how they initially wanted Paul tried at Jerusalem, and so here he says to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?” Likely thinking that by trying Paul there before their Sanhedrin council they could condemn him (like they condemned Jesus) and he would just sign off on it, like Pilate did. 

Vs. 10-12 ¹⁰ So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. ¹¹ For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” ¹² Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!” 

However, Paul having already realized one of their assassination attempts against his life, knows that if he is now taken back to Jerusalem the Jews would kill him before he ever even made it there to stand trial before their Sanhedrin council. Therefore, in a moment of brilliance (and most likely by hand of God in fulfilling His Word spoken to Paul) Paul being a Roman citizen (which Jesus was not), now appeals to Caesar, saying, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. ¹¹ For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” ^{Vs. 10-11} Notice then that the Apostle Paul was not against being put to death, if he had committed crimes deserving of death. For the death penalty itself is not evil, but has a righteous place and purpose when employed justly and executed lawfully. And so, when Festus heard the Apostle’s Paul’s appeal to Caesar, (which was the right of every Roman citizen to do when faced with death), he conferred with the council who was situated with him on the raised platform where the bema or judgment seat was. And having conferred with them, Festus gave his decision saying, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!” ^{vs. 12} Thus respecting the law and custom afforded every Roman citizen. Soon then the Apostle Paul would begin his journey to and be a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ before the highest ruler and throne at Rome.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

 

 

 

Acts 24:22–27 Felix's Decision

 ²² But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” ²³ So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. ²⁴ And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. ²⁵ Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” ²⁶ Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. ²⁷ But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. 

Commentary 

Vs. 22-23 ²² But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” ²³ So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. 

The Apostle Paul having then given his defense before Felix, that he had been brought before him not for crimes or inciting an insurrection as they falsely charged him with before Felix, but only for declaring his belief in the resurrection of dead during his trial by their Sanhedrin council in Jerusalem. And so, Felix now having a more accurate understanding of the Way, that is the Christian faith, that we hold to this belief, and all things written in the Law and Prophets, and thus are no enemies to the Jews, he adjourned the proceedings, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” ^{Vs. 22} Having then deferred making a judgment, but seeing that Paul was no threat to anyone, Felix commanded the centurion who was to guard Paul to let him have liberty and not to forbid any of Paul’s friends from providing for his needs or to visit him (vs. 23), which was a most unusual gracious act on his part to show Paul favor like that, which seems to me his heart had been moved by the Apostle Paul. 

Vs. 24 “And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” 

Now after some days Felix once again commanded the Apostle Paul to be brought before him, but this time in private with his wife Drusilla who was Jewish present with him. According to the King James Bible Commentary: “This girl was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I (the murderer of James, ch. 12) and the sister of Agrippa II and Bernice (25:13). She was not yet twenty years old and had already left an Assyrian king to marry Felix. She was a Jewess and died twenty-one years later in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius!” [1] 

Vs. 25 ²⁵ Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 

The Apostle Paul then found himself in the presence of a man whose heart (or conscience) clearly had been stirred by Paul’s assertion of the resurrection of the dead, but whose personal life was being lived fully hostile to the Word of the Lord. And yet when Paul was brought before Felix for a private interview, he did not shun him, or condemn him, and thus impute his or his wife’s sins against them, he simply reasoned with them about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Thus, trying ever so tactfully to get them to repent and believe while they still could. However, when Felix heard of these things, clearly he was convicted by the Holy Spirit of his own sins, but rather then repenting and turning to the Lord for forgiveness and salvation he only told Paul to, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” ^{Vs. 25} Which is not a unique response by him, for when people hear the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ through us, they will either repent and believe, or they too will also want nothing more to do with us, for the fear of coming judgment that has been awakened inside of them (2 Cor. 2:14-15). 

Vs. 26-27 ²⁶ Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. ²⁷ But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. 

Felix then having heard the Word and sent Paul away, still kept Paul bound in the hope that Paul might enrich him, but not with the Gospel, but only now with money, and so he sent for Paul more often to hear him, but not with no intent of repenting and believing, but only that a bribe might be given him by Paul (vs. 26). Unfortunately, during these private meetings the Apostle Paul would’ve been ignorant of Felix’s true desires, just as the Scriptures says, “that the heart of kings is unsearchable” (see Prov. 25:3). And so, one must always be cautious when one is “befriended” by those who hold power, for their true motives (or their heart) you will never discover. And so, for two years this went on until Felix was succeeded by Porcius Felix whom Caesar Nero had appointed to replace Felix as governor of Judea. Now when Felix was recalled to Rome, he kept Paul bound so as to have the Jews favor who had complained bitterly about him to Rome (vs. 27). 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Additional Resources Consulted

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^[1] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2192). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Acts 24:10–21 Paul’s Defense

 ¹⁰ Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, ¹¹ because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. ¹² And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. ¹³ Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. ¹⁴ But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. ¹⁵ I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. ¹⁶ This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. ¹⁷ “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, ¹⁸ in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. ¹⁹ They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. ²⁰ Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, ²¹ unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ”

Commentary 

Vs. 10 Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, 

When Governor Felix finished hearing Tertullus present the Jews accusations against Paul, he then turned looked at Paul and nodded at him indicating it was now his turn to speak. Now Paul in addressing Felix is neither discouraged, nor angered by the false charges that had been laid against him. Instead, Paul knowing that his person and life is in the hands of the Lord, he can now confidently state his case; (for even when rulers are unsound and unjust, the Lord can still render a sound and just verdict through them). And so, Paul knowing that Felix had been a judge of the nation of Israel for several years, and was versed in its laws, customs, and practices, now says to Felix in offering his defense, (without lawyer or expert representation), “I do the more cheerfully answer for myself.” For none of the disparaging words or false things that were spoken against Paul in falsely accusing him will move or shake him. For if they called the Lord Jesus Christ terrible things how much worse things will they say (and assume) of those who believe Him and obey Him, just as He said (Matt. 10:25). 

Vs. 11-13 ¹¹ because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. ¹² And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. ¹³ Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 

Now in answering the charges that Paul was a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (which was a termed coined by the Jews to describe those who followed Jesus of Nazareth, and thus trying to make Christianity into some kind of cult), and that he had been orchestrating or plotting some kind of rebellion against either the Jews or Rome at Jerusalem, Paul states that it had only been twelve days since he had gone to Jerusalem, and not to riot, or “recruit”, (as they made Paul out to be doing), but only to worship the Lord (vs. 11). Having then debunked their false claims about him, Paul then states that while he was in the Temple they found him disputing with no one, (for he was there to take a vow, and thus consecrate himself to the Lord, and thus his purpose for being there was holy and peaceful) and thus he was not found inciting the crowds there, either in the synagogues, or in the city (vs. 12). For it was not Paul who incited the mob scene there, rather it was those there who spoke evil of his faith and person, who set the crowds there in an uproar against him, and so they are the ones who should be on trial, who so slanderously accused him of being and doing evil when he has done nothing wrong! Therefore, Paul knowing his own innocence and that they could prove none of the false accusations that they were slanderously making against him, now confidently asserts as much in verse thirteen. 

Vs. 14-16 ¹⁴ But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. ¹⁵ I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. ¹⁶ This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. 

Having then refuted their false charges and claims against him, Paul now confesses that he himself follows God according to the Way, which was an acronym for the early believers and church (John 14:6), which again they had made out to be a dangerous “sect”. And yet by believing in, and following God’s Son Jesus Christ Paul was worshipping the God of His fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets (vs. 14). Therefore, Paul had hope in God that there will be a resurrection of the dead, (just as they themselves accept and the Scriptures teach), both of the just and the unjust (vs. 15), just as Jesus Christ Himself has said (John 5:24-30). That being so Paul now says, “I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” ^{Vs. 16} Which must then be our lifetime pursuit as well, because God will Judge everyone according to their works and their ways, and will reward and or repay each one of us accordingly. 

Vs. 17-21 ¹⁷ “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, ¹⁸ in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. ¹⁹ They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. ²⁰ Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, ²¹ unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ” 

Therefore, Paul was not in Jerusalem to incite anyone, he was there delivering relief for the Christians in need there, and while there at the request of the church he went to the Temple to take a vow and sanctify himself because of the Jews, so as to show himself as one who lives orderly and keeps the Law as they do (vs. 17). However, while there in the Temple in the midst of his own native countrymen, some foreign Jews from Asia, (like the ones who persecuted him at Ephesus), saw him there in the Temple purified, and so they began to stir up the people there against him even though they never saw Paul with a mob or making a tumult there as he was falsely charged with here (vs. 18). Indeed, Paul says if they had something to charge him with then they themselves should’ve been there at this inquiry (vs. 19). And since they are not there to justify any complaint they have made against him, Paul now says let those who are there and present, who have come from Jerusalem say if they had found any wrongdoing in him while he stood before them at their Sanhedrin council (vs. 20). For there is nothing that they can charge Paul with, unless they try to charge him for the one statement which he cried out while before their Sanhedrin council, when he said, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ (Vs. 21). Which itself is a fundamental belief of Jews and Christians everywhere. Thus, Paul had offended neither the Jews, nor broken any Roman laws by saying as much.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 24:1–9

 ¹ Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. ² And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, ³ we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. ⁴ Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. ⁵ For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. ⁶ He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. ⁷ But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, ⁸ commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” ⁹ And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. 

Commentary 

Vs. 1 Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. 

And so, it was after five days that the high priest along with select elders of the Jews came down to Caesarea to present their case against Paul. Now they brought with them a certain man, a Roman named Tertullus, a trained orator, who along with them stated their case (i.e., presented their evidence) to the governor against Paul. 

Vs. 2-3 ² And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, ³ we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 

Now Tertullus when he was called upon to make his accusation against the Apostle Paul begins by praising Felix, saying that by his foresight and rule they enjoyed great peace and prosperity was being brought to their nation, and so they were most glad that he ruled them, (now upon hearing that flattering nonsense you would almost think that Felix was a righteous man and just ruler). Nonetheless, unless the serpent is charmed it may bite, and so Tertullus shows himself here most skilled at doing just that. 

Vs. 4-9 ⁴ Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. ⁵ For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. ⁶ He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. ⁷ But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, ⁸ commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” ⁹ And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. 

Having then addressed Felix in all manner of endearment and flattery Tertullus now begins his case against the Apostle Paul by using the strongest of words to condemn Paul, calling him “a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” (vs. 5). Thus, making Paul out to be someone who was a completely subversive towards the Jews, even calling Paul a ring leader of the sect of the Nazarenes, for simply taking in all reverence towards God and in respect of the Jews traditions, the vow of the Nazarene while in Jerusalem at the Temple, which he did at the request of the church leadership there, so as to show himself not hostile towards any of the Jews beliefs or practices there. And so just as those who are trained in these sorts of tactics always do, Tertullus thus turns what was intended as an act of peace and goodwill towards the Jews by the Apostle Paul into an act of insurgent sedition and war against them! 

Now he even goes on to say that the Apostle Paul tried to profane the temple (vs. 6), which never happened, rather some there assumed Paul had brought his Greek travel companions with him into the Temple’s inner court when he came to the Temple to take his vow, because they saw them with him in Jerusalem. However, Paul as a devout Jew and Pharisee according to the Jews strictest sect of their religion never did, nor would he have, especially when taking the vow of a Nazarite, which was to set oneself apart to God from all that defiles. Thus, having made such a false and utterly defaming charge against the Apostle Paul, Tertullus now says that the Jews wanted to judge Paul by their law, however the commander Lysias; in rescuing Paul from their trying to beat him to death; now charges him with coming with great violence and seizing Paul from their hands; as if they were doing justly by trying to do so (vs. 7). And so, when he rescued Paul from them, he commanded that they go to Felix the governor where he was sending Paul, and present their case against him there, because they had secretly laid a plot to execute Paul by having Paul brought back to them, which when the commander found out about it, he sent Paul to Felix, something which neither Tertullus nor the Jews make mention of here. No rather all they do is confirm Tertullus’ terribly disparaging words about Paul, and even the commander there, with Tertullus even trying to bias Felix by saying that when he examines Paul, he will ascertain all the things that they are accusing Paul of (vs. 8-9). Such then is way and words of the unjust, who skillfully miss-use and misrepresent peoples own words and actions against them.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

 

 

Acts 23:23–35

 ²³ And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; ²⁴ and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” ²⁵ He wrote a letter in the following manner: ²⁶ Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. ²⁸ And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. ²⁹ I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. ³⁰ And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell. ³¹ Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. ³² The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. ³³ When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. ³⁴ And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, ³⁵ he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. 

Commentary 

Vs. 23-24 ²³ And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; ²⁴ and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 

Knowing then the Jews plot against the Apostle Paul’s life, the commander now calls for two centurions and orders them to “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; ²⁴ and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” And so, by dispatching Paul from Jerusalem in the night hours with such a large escort, he will safely deliver Paul to Felix the Governor; who was living in Caesarea; so that the governor himself can make a decision as to what to do with Paul. 

Vs. 25-30 ²⁵ He wrote a letter in the following manner: ²⁶ Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. ²⁸ And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. ²⁹ I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. ³⁰ And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell. 

And so, in his letter the commander who identifies himself as Claudius Lysias now gives an outline of the circumstances surrounding Paul’s detention. Indicating that the Jews had seized him and were about to kill him, and so he came down with troops and rescued Paul from them, having learned he was a Roman (vs. 25-27), (and thus by saying as much he now justifies his himself before the governor in having taken Paul). He then goes on to tell how the next day he brought Paul before their council, for they were accusing him of things regarding their law, but they had nothing to say against Paul that was deserving of death or chains (28-29). However, when he heard that Jews lie in wait for Paul to kill him, he immediately sent him to him, to the Governor, and he also commanded Paul’s accusers to also appear before him so as to state before him their charges against him. It’s a brief and concise report of the events, which you would expect from a military commander, since civilian rulers generally have short attention spans when it comes to these sorts of domestic matters in their domains.

Vs. 31-35 ³¹ Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. ³² The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. ³³ When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. ³⁴ And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, ³⁵ he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. 

Thus, the Apostle Paul was now to be taken to the governor at Caesarea who would make a decision about him, (and so this then begins fulfilling God’s Word that Paul would witness of the Lord Jesus Christ not only at Jerusalem; which he had just been; but now also at Rome, Acts 23:11). Now the trip there entailed a stop at Antipatris (vs. 31), “about thirty miles from Jerusalem and forty miles from Caesarea” (BBC), which seems reasonable given that they were now well armed, and that there was little threat of an ambush being so far from Jerusalem where they had plotted to kill Paul. And so, the next day leaving Antipatris the foot soldiers departed back to Jerusalem to their barracks, while the horsemen carried Paul onto Caesarea. Having arrived there they delivered Paul to the governor who asked what province Paul was from, and so when he understood Paul was from Cilicia, and thus a Roman citizen, he told Paul that he would hear his case once his accusers had arrived from Jerusalem, until then he commanded Paul be kept in Herod’s Praetorium (vs. 32-25). Now as to the Roman governor Antonius Felix himself, he rose from a position of servitude to rule over all of the province of Judea, ruling from A.D. 52-59. And as to his remarkable rise, this was mostly by his own brothers influence at the palace of Claudius Caesar. Now Felix himself by all historical accounts was not only an immoral man, taking several wives, but he was a brutal ruler who crushed several Jewish uprisings during his tenure, including arranging the assignation of a high priest named Johnathan who criticized him for his misrule BBC).^[1] The Roman historian Tacitus wrote of Felix, saying, “Felix indulging in every kind of barbarity and lust, exercised the power of a king in the Spirit of a slave” (Histories V, 9). Taken from King James Bible Commentary. Now as to his immorality and ambition, which may have drove it, he married three princesses, one of which was the granddaughter of “Antony and Cleopatra; the third was Drusilla, the daughter of Agrippa”, ^[2] that is king Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I, who murdered James and imprisoned the Apostle Peter (Acts 12). Now it was king Herod Agrippa II who had also married his own sister Bernice (BBC). Such then was nature of Rome’s Rulers.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Additional Resources Consulted 

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1656). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (pp. 2190–2191). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Acts 23:11–22

 ¹¹ But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” ¹² And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. ¹³ Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. ¹⁴ They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. ¹⁵ Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” ¹⁶ So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. ¹⁷ Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” ¹⁹ Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” ²⁰ And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. ²¹ But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” ²² So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.” 

Commentary 

Vs. 11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” 

The Apostle Paul then having born witness to the Lord Jesus Christ at Jerusalem and before all its leaders at his “trial” before their Sanhedrin council, and having escaped death there, and been taken back to the Roman soldier’s barracks in Jerusalem for his own safety, now the following night is visited by the Lord, who coming to him, now stands by him and says to him, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” The Lord’s appearing to Paul then must have been the most encouraging Words Paul had heard in a long time, since of all people and all places Paul had been, Jerusalem should’ve been the most welcoming place of all, but instead he only found the same rejection the Lord Jesus Christ endured when He came to them with God’s salvation for them all. And so here the Lord in encouraging Paul for his faithfulness in testifying to Him at Jerusalem, now foretells him that he must also bear witness to Him at Rome. Thus, Paul was chosen to bear witness to the Lord Jesus Christ at the height of the two principal powers who had rejected and Crucified the Lord Jesus Christ, first Jerusalem representing all the Jews, and then Rome representing the world and its god and ruler (John 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 6:12 etc.). Now you and I will also bear witness to the Lord Jesus Christ, before family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and whomever else the Lord brings our way. And so, each one of them will also have to decide for themselves whether they will believe and receive Christ’s testimony through us or not. Our responsibility then is not how they respond to the Lord’s offer of remission of sins and eternal life for them the moment they repent and believe, our responsibility to the Lord is to be His witnesses to them in such a way so as not hinder their faith in Him, that’s it. For each one will make their own choice as God has given each individual the freedom to choose Him (by choosing to believe in His Son) or to reject Him (by not believing in Him). Therefore, consider very wisely your eternal destiny before you make your choice, for once you choose you cannot turn back (Heb. 12:14-17). 

Vs. 12-15 ¹² And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. ¹³ Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. ¹⁴ They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. ¹⁵ Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” 

Now just as Paul was being held at the commander’s barracks, some of the Jews were now also plotting his death. In fact, so determined were they too kill him that forty of them bound themselves under a great oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul (vs. 12-13). Now in order to get to Paul they went to the chief priests and elders and asked them to go to the commander and ask that he might bring Paul before them for further questioning, whereby once in their presence they could all fall upon him and kill him (vs. 15-16). It’s a wicked scheme which the commander would not be able to withstand with just a few of his men with him while Paul would be before their council. 

Vs. 16 “So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.” 

Thankfully Paul’s nephew heard of their ambush, and so he immediately went to the barracks and told Paul their scheme. Now one cannot help but think that God’s hand was with the young lad in discovering this. 

Vs. 17-22 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” ¹⁹ Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” ²⁰ And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. ²¹ But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” ²² So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.” 

When Paul heard this, he called to one of the centurions to take the young man to the commander to tell him these things (vs. 17). Therefore, when he brought him before the commander, the young man told him the Jews plot, how they were going to ask him to bring Paul to their council as if they were going to make further inquiry of him, but in fact more than forty of them had banded themselves together under a great oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul, and so now they were all lying in wait, waiting for him to bring Paul to them (vs. 18-21). Now when the commander heard these things, he commanded the young man not to tell anyone what he had just told him before sending him on his way (vs. 22). For if anyone found out that the young man had just revealed these things to him, that young man’s life might also then be in danger. 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 22:30–23:10

 ³⁰ The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them. ¹ Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” ² And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?” ⁴ And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” ⁵ Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ” ⁶ But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!” ⁷ And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. ⁸ For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. ⁹ Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” ¹⁰ Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. 

Commentary (22:30-23-10) 

The commander then having relented of his early decision to have Paul examined under scourging, but still not knowing why Paul’s own countrymen were so enraged at him, kept Paul bound till the next day until he could have the Jews chief priests and Sanhedrin council come and question Paul in his presence, so he could ascertain whether there were any charges that were to be laid against Paul. The next day then the commander brought Paul released of his bonds and set him before them so that Paul could make his defense (vs. 30). The Apostle Paul then to begin makes his defense by earnestly looking at all the chief priests and council members and declaring that he has lived his life in all good conscience before God. That is, he has always sought to live his life in accordance with all of the commandments of God (vs. 1). Now as soon as Paul made that declaration the high priest became enraged and commanded one of the Sanhedrin council’s security personal to strike him on the mouth (vs. 2). For they had already rejected the Testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, because he didn’t follow their doctrines and commandments of men, and so with great animosity and hatred they plotted His Crucifixion death to end His influence amongst the Jewish people. Therefore, how much more would they now hate those who were following Him and perpetuating His Name and doctrine amongst them, especially someone who used to be one of their own. For in their eyes to follow the Lord Jesus Christ meant one was no longer following them, and thus God. Now when the high priest commanded the Apostle Paul to be struck like that Paul immediately retorted back, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?” (vs. 3) For Paul was a Pharisee, and Paul knew the Law, that when one sits in judgment of another one does assume another’s guilt, as the high priest had done in having Paul stricken like that. And so that infuriated Paul, since he was being most sincere in making his statement, while they were only manifesting the heights of injustice in seeking to condemn him, and not for crimes or wrong doing against God or man, but simply for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now when Paul said that those who stood by him said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” ^{Vs. 4} To which Paul replied, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ” (vs. 5). 

Now for whatever reasons Paul did not immediately recognize the high priest when he was struck and said that, and so in apologizing, Paul quotes (Exodus 22:28). Thus, showing himself as still being reverent towards God’s law and those who occupy the seats of authority and power within it. Now as the council once again began to settle down, Paul perceived that one part of the council were Sadducees and the other Pharisees he cried out in the council, saying, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!” (vs. 6) Now by saying as much Paul knew he would immediately divide them. For the Sadducees denied the resurrection from the dead (even scoffed at the notion of it) but the Pharisees rightly held to it as a core of their beliefs. And so, by declaring himself a Pharisee who was only being tried for his belief in the resurrection of the dead, (which Jesus Himself taught and proved exists), the Apostle Paul knew the council would become divided. Because though both groups sat in the council for judgments from the Law, both groups held fundamentally different beliefs regarding this, and this was always a heated point of contention amongst them, especially since the Sadducees controlled the high priesthood and most of the Sanhedrin. Therefore, when Paul said this a dissension immediately arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. ⁸ For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. (vs. 7-8). So, heated then became the dissent amongst the council members that the Pharisees themselves now thinking that Paul was being tried for his being a Pharisee and holding to this, now arise from their seats and greatly protest Paul’s trial saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” (vs. 9). Now when that occurred the council became so heated, so raucously divided, that the commander who was there observing these things, fearing lest Paul be pulled apart by them, now commands his soldiers to go and take Paul by force from amongst them and bring him into their barracks, thus ending the proceedings (vs. 10). 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.