The Apostle Paul
July 3, 2009 (Friday)
Friday’s blogs are about the life and work of the Apostle Paul. At the end of his third missionary journey, he returned to Jerusalem only to find himself under suspicion of subverting Judaism, beaten by a crowd and under Roman arrest. The Roman Commander arranged a trial for Paul by the Sanhedrin, but it immediately got out of hand and he found himself rescuing Paul instead. He made arrangements for Paul to be tried before the Roman governor in Caesarea, but learned that 40 men had pledged to kill Paul en route. He then ordered a detachment of 470 soldiers, including cavalry, to conduct the prisoner to Caesarea during the night. Paul arrived safely in Caesarea, and was greeted by Felix, the Roman Procurator, and placed in custody until the Jewish representatives arrived to make formal charges.
When the Jews arrived, they brought a lawyer with them to represent them and file their charges. Felix heard them out, but made no decision about Paul’s guilt or innocence. Instead he placed Paul in custody, giving him the privilege of having guests. Felix left office two years later without making a decision concerning Paul’s fate. A new governor, Festus, took his place.
Back in Jerusalem, before the trip to Caesarea, Paul had a vision from the Lord, assuring Paul he would be the Lord’s witness in Rome. With that assurance, Paul confidently faced his accusers. He didn’t know how the circumstances would develop to make possible a trip to Rome, but he was sure it would happen. And it did. More next Friday.