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Tag: paul

ACTS of the Herods 25
The not-so-great HEROD’s – client-kings of the Jews

“BUT WAIT,” you may be thinking; “we were following ACTS of the APOSTLES and Paul.”
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Note the timeline above with its anti-Christian timeline bias utilizing BCE (Before the Common Era) rather than B.C. (Before Christ). 
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What IF history had recorded the politics of the JEWS and ROMANS in place of the truth of Christ?

We would have read nothing of Herod’s killing of the innocents (trying to prevent the birth of the Messiah JESUS).
- OR of Jewish and Roman injustice of the Cross of Jesus – KING OF THE JEWS!
- OR any account of the leading Pharisee Saul of Tarsus proclaiming Christ risen to all the world as far as Rome.
NO — Luke’s detailed account of the Apostles would have been buried in the politics of A.D. 1st century Caesars and certain Kings preordained by the Lord God to fail in their temporal empires and kingdoms — Herod’s and Caesar’s opposed to JESUS, the very Son of God redeeming a chosen remnant of sinners — sinners from every nation of the world and sinners from every time since the beginning of mortals and the end of our timeline in eternity.

Acts from Herod the Great to Herod Agrippa II

In order to understand Roman administration of captive kingdoms or Roman states of the Herod’s, as well as something of the fall of Jerusalem which will soon take place, let’s take a look at the WHO’S-WHO of this client dynasty as we proceed in the Acts of the Apostles.

the politics of King Agrippa and Festus
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A PLEASING PUBLIC POLITICAL MEETING 
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Now several days later, Agrippa [II] the king and Bernice [his sister] arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus [the new governor].

Acts of the Apostles 25:13 AMP

While they were spending many days there [in the Roman capital of Caesarea] , Festus laid Paul’s case before the king…

Make no mistake about it — Rome is in control, but in order to rule effectively Roman governors use local political powerhouses to govern public opinion.

Political Protocol of the Pax Romana

Luke refers to our main player in Paul’s case as, “King Agrippa,” but to Rome, Julius Marcus (AKA Herod Agrippa II) is simply one of several useful foreign kings.

.

He brings with him his sister, oldest daughter of Herod Agrippa I as they formally and publically meet Governor Porcius Festus in Caesarea.
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Luke continues with the political problem of Paul left to the new Prefect Festus:
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saying (to Agrippa) [NKJV],

“There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him.
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Note that this new Roman Prefect has already been in Jerusalem without meeting with King Agrippa. 
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To them I answered,

‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction [ἀπώλεια] before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’

Certainly this newly appointed Governor of Judea is familiar with the problem of the JUDGMENT of JESUS the King of the JEWS by a previous Governor Pontius Pilate.

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.
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The Roman Governor has already judged the Roman citizen Paulos (in Jerusalem) before this political appeal of King Herod Agrippa II. 
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The Governor continues his account of Paul’s recent trial over which he presided:

“When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
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Now full-well knowing the controversies centered on the Christ of the Jews, Governor Porcius Festus addresses Julius Marcus Agrippa II as a politically impartial third party with interest in the case of the Governor's prisoner. 
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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. But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus [the title of the Roman emperors], I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.”

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, no friend of followers of The Way, had appointed Portus Festus as Governor of Judea.

Herod Agrippa’s play for power

Then Agrippa said to Festus,

“I also would like to hear the man myself.”

“Tomorrow, you shall hear him.”

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 [Caesarea], at Festus’ command Paul was brought in.
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REMEMBER: 
ROME's Governor is in charge. The Prefect of Judea repeats what he has already told King Herod Agrippa II. 
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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.

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.
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The Governor is confirming Paul's legal disposition as well as his own fair hand in his decision of the Court.
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“I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him.
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Festus, wanting to present some facts to his lord Caesar in Rome, invites these Jewish leaders and accusers of Paul to give him the facts. 

The Governor would not have had to send any facts to Nero, but out of Festus' astute political savvy he has an audience of all who could object to his decision. 
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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. For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”

Brilliant! Let the local king provide their case to Caesar (who could only blame Felix or the Jews AND NOT him).

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.”

So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself:

Acts of the Apostles 26:1 NKJV

Once again, the Governor sets the tone of his meeting of all who had accused Paul.

Festus begins by allowing the defense of this Roman citizen already found innocent to proceed BEFORE hearing ANY Jewish charges.

Furthermore, Governor Festus invites Paul to speak directly to him and to Herod Agrippa II (client king of the Jews) FIRST.

“I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you this day concerning all the things whereof I am accused by the Yehudim…

Acts of the Apostles 26:2 – Hebrew Names Version

The ACTS of the Apostle Paul (in court again) — To be continued…

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Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
July 18, 2025
Most Excellent Felix – Tertullus for the Prosecution
Today we find ourselves with Paul in Caesarea facing Felix.

(The plot thickens even after a secretive conspiracy to assassinate the Apostle.)

History plays out over time through the interactions of its leading actors. Luke records the Acts of these men of the A.D. first century whose leading actors include:
- the Apostle Paul,
- Claudius Lysias (via his letter),
- Felix,
- Festus,
- Agrippa and a host of minor actors in the plot of the Jews to execute Jesus’ Apostle
- and of course, Roman generals – pawns of the Emperors and Caesars.
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Luke focuses on each of these in Acts, which we have cataloged into chapters 22-26. 

He does not need to set the stage for his first century readers, but you may benefit from a few details. 
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~ A.D. 58

This courtroom scene (so to speak) now takes place in the Roman stronghold of Caesarea before the Roman Governor Felix, rather than in a biased Jewish court from where the Apostle and Roman citizen Paulos had been whisked away.

The Political Place of Antonius Felix

Antonius Felix (b. ~ A.D. 5-10)

Appointed Governor of Judea in ~AD 53, the Emperor Claudius had responded to a petition of his Secretary of the Treasury Marcus to elect his own younger brother Felix as Judea’s new Procurator.

Although his name Felix means ‘happy,’ sources agree that in his rule of Judea:

He ruled the province in a mean, cruel, and profligate manner. His period of office was full of troubles and seditions.

Strong’s G5344 – phēlix – BlueLetterBible.org
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And for the politically unastute, a brief definition of sedition:

"The raising of commotion in a state, not amounting to insurrection; conduct tending to treason, but without an overt act; excitement of discontent against the government, or of resistance to lawful authority." 
- source: Wordnik
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Just in case you missed the dramatic events leading up to this change of venue, READ all about it below for a better understanding of the Jewish prosecutors about to appear before Felix. 
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Justice deferred in a Political Theatre of Law

Paul’s Trial before Felix in Caesarea

Acts of the Apostles 24:
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Scriptural quotes primarilary from the ASV 
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And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him..

Now the high priest of the Jews has no standing in a judicial court of the Roman government of Judea. However the lead prosecutor of Jerusalem’s religious council has hired a well-known orator to prosecute their case in Caesarea.

Tertullus, which means “triple-hardened,” was a Roman orator in the tradition of Cicero and several of the Caesars known for public speeches designed to sway large crowds of fellow Romans to their way of thinking.

Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace,

and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation,

we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words.
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Always beware.. when a politician claims to have 'a few words.' 
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For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
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(that is, followers of Jesus of Nazareth) 
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who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: and we would have judged him according to our law.
Tertullus, the prosecuting Roman orator hired by the Jews, then turns to make charges against the Roman military athority who snatched Paul (the defendant) from their jurisdiction of Jerusalem’s local authorities and justice of the Sanhedrin.
Lysius, commanding his
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(that is Paul's or the defendant's) 
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accusers to come before thee. from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him.
(In other words, you will find him guilty of our charges.)

And, as in so many venues where Paul had been called to defend his actions for the gospel of Jesus Christ — practically on cue, the men of the council accompanying the high priest Ananias, ‘joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so.’

The Court will hear from the Defendant

Paul:

Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence: seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem:

and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.

Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me.

The opening arguments have concluded.

Paul’s Defense of the Gospel

Rome, of course, has NO interest in the Gospel; although politicians and orators may claim the Good News when politically expediant.

Everyone in the courtroom of Felix would have known that some twenty years ago the Emperor Caligula had declared himself a god. And his successor Claudius (to whom Felix was connected) had recently conquered Britain and seemed to have little interest in affairs to the east, here in remote Judea.

But as Paul, Tertullus, Ananias and the elders all knew, Caesar was no friend of the Jews, since Claudius had deported them from Rome just nine years ago. And they gained no favor with the current Emperor Nero either.

So Paul continues his defense:

But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers,

believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;

having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for,

that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
Acts of the Apostles 24:14-15 ASV
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Of course as always, the resurrection brings into play the great controversy of GOD exercising both reward and punishment to every soul after the death of our mortal flesh. 

AND at the center of the controversy of this GOSPEL proclamation of the Apostle stands the MESSIAH JESUS - the risen Christ of the Jews crucified on a Roman Cross under Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem some two-dozen years before. 
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Paul tells the court the reason for his return to Jerusalem.

Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult..
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Remember? There had been a famine. And Paul had been asking all the churches in his missionary jouneys for help for the poor (alms) in Jerusalem. 
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Herod’s temple in Jerusalem effectually becomes a large, highly regulated public square during festivals. It is unlike a church building or large meeting house.

Paul defends his public worship there and the lack of evidence that he caused any trouble:

but there were who ought to have been here before thee [Felix, that is], and to make accusation, if they had aught against me.

Acts 24:19 ASV
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Obviously, these so-called-witnesses were NOT called to the stand to accuse Paulos in person. 

Furthermore, Paul continues answering such inadmissable hearsay by challenging those Elders present. 
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Was it something I said?

“Or else let those who are here [Ananias and the Elders of Jerusalem’s council] themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me [or what wrongdoing] while I stood before the council, 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.’ ”

Acts 24:20-21 NKJV

The Court will be in recess

Luke’s transcript of the court proceedings ends and he adds additional background of context for the reader.

But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying,

‘When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.’

The Governor, Felix, is a skillfull politician dealing with Jews, Christians (followers of the Way), financial supporters of Nero and Rome, Centurians of Rome’s powerful occupying military and even the handling of grandious prosecuting oraters selling their case such as Tertullus.

And he gave order to the centurion that he [Paulos] should be kept in charge [custody], and should have indulgence [provisions]; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.

Acts 24:23 ASV

Political inaction — and the Judgment to come

What happens next may look familiar to any who follow the cunning of political strategists.

Since Felix’s obvious action that fairness and justice would demand will create additional trouble in governing, Felix the Governor waits for a more opportune time for public support — and for filling the coffers of his personal PAC which he might use later to gain higher office.

(Felix is looking for a handout $$.)

Luke continues by accounting for Felix’s delay in justice:

But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.

Acts 24:24 ASV
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Drusilla was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I and the sister of Herod Agrippa II, making her a member of the Herodian dynasty, which played a significant role in the political and religious landscape of Judea during the first century. 
- source BibleHub.com 
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And as he [her husband the Governor] reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified..

The Apostle had noted the appropriate fear of Felix for judgment of his own guilty soul.

Luke adds Felix’s sudden dismissal of Paul saying:

.. ‘Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.’

Days pass… and more time passes.

Luke notes what everyone knew: it took a bribe to garner a favorable outcome from the Governor:

He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

But while Paul remained in ‘protective custody’ of the Governor of Judea in Caesarea, time not only passed but grows short for Felix.

He was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and when recalled to Rome, he escaped being sentenced to death by Nero only through the intercession of his brother, Pallas. His oppressive rule caused deep resentment among the Jews and strengthened the anti-Roman party.

source: Encyclopedia.com
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Again.. time passes, Luke records:
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But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Acts of the Apostles 24:27 ASV

To be continued — in the NEXT administration…

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Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
July 8, 2025
Justice deferred in a Political Theatre of Law
We suppose Law to be a tool of Justice

Justice

Citizens of Greek City-States claimed freedom and justice..

(although like everywhere else, Greek democracy did not apply to its slaves.)

Socrates drank the hemlock of justice weighed by his opponents of classic philosophy.

And, of course, Alexander the Great Macedonian claiming all Greece and the world had different ideas of law to make the world Greek again.

(“There’s nothing new under the sun,” stated Solomon, King over much of the same empire nearly a thousand years before Alexander.)

Roman Law

In today’s setting of Acts of the Apostles it’s important for us to remember that in Jerusalem – Judean LAW (it isn’t even fully JEWISH LAW applicable in other Roman Provicences (or States by contemporary comparison) – as administered by the Sanhedron separate of the Roman Governor, a minor appointed Proconsul accountable to the Emporor.

This jurisdictional oversight – similar to that when Pontius Pilate tried to pass the political hot potato of the King of the Jews back and forth to Herod or the Jewish leaders of Jerusalem – is little different when just a few years later Paul retuns to Jerusalem to face JUSTICE redefined in various venues.

Jews demanding JUSTICE

The Apostle of Jesus sent to the Gentiles (Greeks) has just returned home.

After his witness to the Jews (in Hebrew) of being sent by Jesus (who had been crucified) on the road to Damascus) AND being sent to the Gentiles — (this had been 20 years ago, back in A.D. 37) — once again, Paul proclaims Christ risen!

The adjitated jewish crowd was about to stone him, just as when he himself had witnessed the execution of Stephen.

“Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”

When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune..

Acts of the Apostles 22:25b-26a ESV
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There he's done it! 

Paul initiates a whole chain-of-events triggering the chain-of-command in Roman oversight and justice. 
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But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he [the Tribune in charge of the Centurians] unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

Acts 22:30 ESV
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This JEWISH council — about seventy leading men, SUMMONED to apprear before the ROMAN Tribune and his COURT of Roman justice in Jerusalem — are NOT in charge of the proceedings. 
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Acts 23:

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
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Remember: Although the courtroom is that of the Jews, Paul — the DEFENDENT — faces them as his PROSECUTOR (not his judge).
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And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

“God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall!

Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”

Some savvy oral arguments take place (as is common in court). Paul seeks to divide the jury of his accusers:

“.. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

It worked. One of his fellow Pharisees stands in his defense,

“We find nothing wrong in this man.

What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?”

The dissension (between the two parties of the Pharisees and Sadducees)became violent.

Now the Jews of this local lower court — to which the rules of the Pax Romana defer — sound more like a lynch mob than a place of justice AND (let’s not forget) Paulos is a ROMAN CITIZEN.

And as a great dissension was developing, because the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them, he ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

Acts 23:10 LSB

Conspiracy against Christ and His Apostle

The world will often witness an unexplainable boldness in a certain saint of God is seemingly insurmountable circumstances. (This had happened with the Apostle time and time again during his ten-plus years of travel among the gentiles and Greeks.)

The night before his highly anticipated public trial in Jerusalem the Apostle of Christ Jesus again received supernatural instruction.

But on that very night, the Lord stood at his side and said,

“Take courage; for as you have solemnly borne witness to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome also.”

Acts 23:11 LSB

Imagine — the Lord Jesus Christ, who had been crucified twenty-seven years ago — the same risen Lord who had appeared in a vision of great glory twenty years ago — stands beside the Apostle and now sends him to Rome!

So of course, Paul is emboldened when he is brought to trial before the Roman court the next day.

Meanwhile, more than forty of the jews made a plot to murder Paul (outside of the jurisdiction of the Roman authorities).

They went to the chief priests and elders and said,

“We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

The Plot Thickens

Paul’s jewish nephew hears of the plot of these forty men, so the young man heads to the Roman fortress to try to warn Paul.

Paulos — the Roman citizen held in protective custody after the big hubbub of the jewish crowds — instructs his guards to go to the man in charge.

Paul called one of the centurions and said,

“Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.”

Acts 23:17 ESV

The tribune [Claudius Lysias] took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”
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Note the gentleness of this tribune, Claudius Lysias - a man in charge of the centurions of Antonia Fortress as he seeks to get to the truth of the matter. 
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The young son of Paul’s sister responds:

“The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him.

But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”

Acs 23:21b-22 ESV

“Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”

An Imposed Authority of Roman Justice

“Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.[9 pm]

Caesarea – (Caesar’s Palace in Judea

Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”
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This military escort of a Roman citizen Paulos is most unlike the handling of Jesus the king of the Jews sent to the Pontius Pilate, governor of that time, (who happened to be in Jeruslem rather than Caesarea). 
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Official Orders sent with Paul

“Claudius Lysias,

to his Excellency the governor Felix,

greetings.

This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

Acts 23:26-30 ESV
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You might call this 'the official COURT record.' 
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Of course — ALL follow orders and the next scene with, with Roman effeciency, take place in Caesarea.

Marcus Antonius Felix
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Antonius Felix, served as the Roman procurator of Judea from ~AD 52-58. He was appointed by the Emperor Claudius and was known for his harsh and often corrupt administration. Felix was a freedman of Claudius' mother, Antonia. - source: BibleHub 
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When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him.

The Governor inquires about jurisdiction – that is, in effect – Am I the appropriate judge of this case?

And when he learned that he [Paulos] was from Cilicia, he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he [Antonius Felix] commanded him [the Centurian in charge of Paul’s escort] to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium [there in Caesarea].

Acts of the Apostles 23:35 ESV [with names of prepositions]

Justice – a Case to be continued

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Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
June 30, 2025