Basically, the letter was pretty simple and gave the facts as they related to the incident, to bring Governor Felix up to speed. The soldiers got Paul safely to Caesarea, along with the letter, and kept him under guard until his accusers arrived. The High Priest, Ananias and some elders and a Lawyer arrived almost a week later. The High Priest stated his case against Paul (which was lies.) Then it was Paul's turn to speak. Paul presented facts in his defense about his whereabouts and made the point that none of their accusations could be verified, because they weren't true. He related the situation regarding his return to Jerusalem and what happened after he completed the ceremony of purification. Finally, he told them he was being tried for believing in life after death, Felix knew about the Way. Paul was held captive, but free to meet with his friends so they could take care of him. A few days later Felix and his wife Drusilla listened to Paul again when he spoke of faith in Christ, self-control, goodness and the coming Day of Judgement. Two years passed and Festus took over Felix's job, and kept Paul under guard to keep the Jews happy.
Festus went to Jerusalem where the leaders asked him to bring Paul there because they had planned to kill him on the way. Festus told them he would hear their accusations against Paul in Caesarea. When they all got there, they made their case and Paul responded by proclaiming his innocence and then he appealed to the Emperor. Later when King Agrippa and Bernice came to visit Festus, he talked to them about Paul's case. Agrippa told Festus he would like to hear Paul speak for himself. So the next day with much pomp, Paul was brought into the court.
Agrippa gave Paul the floor. Paul thanked the king and asked for his patience. Paul gave a brief testimony of his beliefs and faith. He told his own history as a persecutor of Christians and a Pharisee. He talked about his conversion and mission work. Suddenly Festus interrupted Paul and called him crazy! Paul asked Agrippa if he believed in the prophets, he was sure he did. Agrippa asked Paul if he was trying to convert him. Paul answered honestly that he hoped everyone would believe in Jesus! The royals left the room and amongst themselves decided that Paul had done nothing to deserve death. Agrippa said that if Paul had not appealed to the Emperor, he could have been set free.
They set sail for Italy. Along the way, they stopped at Sidon and the officer in charge let Paul go visit his friends there. They continued sailing with difficulty due to the strong winds. Finally, they came to a place called Safe Harbors.
Tomorrow read Acts 27:9-28:31; Romans 1:1-15
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