Atos 24

Thomas Constable · Citado em PreceptAustin

Atos 24

Constable quips that "Speakers also usually promised to be brief, which promises then as now they did not always keep. (Acts 24 Commentary) NET Note - "Tertullus was asking for a brief hearing, and implying to the governor that he would speak briefly and to the point." Kindness (1932)(epieikeia from epieikes = fitting) is used only twice in the NT of gentleness and graciousness in (2 Cor 10.1) and as a commendable attribute for a ruler (forbearance, clemency) here in (Acts 24.4). Leniency and compassion toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice. The quality of gracious forbearing. "Consideration springing from a recognition of the danger that ever lurks upon the assertion of legal rights lest they be pushed to immoral limits. The virtue that rectifies and redresses the severity of a sentence." (Zodhiates - borrow The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament) Acts 24:5 "For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes NET Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a troublemaker, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. GNT Acts 24:5 εὑρόντες γὰρ τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον λοιμὸν καὶ κινοῦντα στάσεις πᾶσιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις τοῖς κατὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην πρωτοστάτην τε τῆς τῶν Ναζωραίων αἱρέσεως, NLT Acts 24:5 We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes. KJV Acts 24:5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: ESV Acts 24:5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. CSB Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes! NIV Acts 24:5 "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect NKJ Acts 24:5 "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. NRS Acts 24:5 We have, in fact, found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. YLT Acts 24:5 for having found this man a pestilence, and moving a dissension to all the Jews through the world -- a ringleader also of the sect of the Nazarenes -- we have found this man a real pest: Ac 6:13 16:20,21 17:6,7 21:28 22:22 28:22 1Ki 18:17,18 Jer 38:4 Am 7:10 Mt 5:11,12 10:25 1Co 4:13 fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews : 1Sa 22:7-9 Ezr 4:12-19 Ne 6:5-8 Es 3:8 Lu 23:2,5,19,25 1Pe 2:12-15,19 the sect of the Nazarenes: Ac 24:14 *Gr: Ac 5:17 15:5 26:5 28:22 1Co 11:19 Nazarenes: Mt 2:23 Video of Paul before Felix Acts 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL ACCUSED OF BEING "PUBLIC ENEMY" NUMBER ONE! Paul was what we might call "a pain in the neck" to the Jews. Notice the ESV translation says Paul is a veritable "plague" which is interesting and as an infectious disease doctor it recalls the pathogen Yersinia Pestis which is a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by this bacterial agent and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal. And so figuratively Paul is a plague and a pest to those who do not want to hear about Jesus as the Messiah Who was sent to redeem and save and not to kill. BDAG renders it "we have found this man to be a public enemy where the noun loimos as designation of a person dangerous to the public weal [cp. Latin - pestis] in Demosthenes 25, 80." For we have found this man a real pest - They found him, this verb (heurisko) conveying in this context the idea that the Jews accidentally came upon Paul making trouble. To them he is a pestilent fellow! Would it be that men would say that about us for daring to boldly the Gospel to those who otherwise will die and spend eternity in hell! G Campbell

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Constable points out that "The first two charges gave the impression that Paul was guilty of sedition against Rome. The Jews had similarly charged Jesus with political sedition before Pilate (cf. Luke 23:2, 5+)." (Acts 24 Commentary) And a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes - The politically charged term ringleader (protostates - only here in NT - pro = before + histemi = stand) was used in secular Greek of one who stood first before soldiers (i.e., a commander, cf single use in Sept = Job 14:24 - "king"). Here it is used of one who stand up first as the chief or the leader. Clearly the implication Tertullus intends is that Felix begin to think this man was a political threat to Roman rule, which was not tolerated in the empire. The fact is that this charge by Tertullus was a true statement for Paul was indeed the "front-rank man," "the champion" for the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Swindoll - Romans tolerated other religions, but they also expected all subjects of the empire to adopt the gods of Rome. To worship a Roman god was like saluting a flag; failing to do so expressed contempt for the state. Paul not only led others to reject Roman religion, but he also proclaimed a King other than Caesar. (Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary – Acts) Sect (139)(hairesis from haireo = to choose = to take for oneself; cf hairetikos) denotes a choosing or a choice then an opinion chosen or a tenet (a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true) and finally as used here came to refer to a sect, party or faction that held tenets distinctive to it. Vine explains that as hairesis evolved it came to mean “an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects… such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect of advantage."

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Constable comments that "arrested Paul harmonized with Lysias' report (Acts 23:27+). The Jews had tried to kill Paul on the spot too (Acts 21:31-33+). Perhaps Tertullus did not mention that because it would have put the Jews in a very bad light. This third charge implied that Felix should put Paul to death since Rome had given the Jews the right to execute temple desecrators. (Acts 24 Commentary) John

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Constable comments that "They undoubtedly expected Felix to dispatch Paul quickly (ED: SENTENCE HIM TO DEATH) since Felix had repeatedly crucified the leaders of uprisings for disturbing the peace of Rome" (Acts 24 Commentary) To allege means to assert without proof or before proving. It is used of Paul in Acts 25:19 " but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted (alleged) to be alive." Paul's allegation was actually not an allegation but a fact, for he himself had seen the risen Lord! Asserting (alleging)(5335)(phasko from phemi = to say or affirm) means to affirm, allege, pretend, profess. The idea conveyed by this verb is that one is speaking with an air of certainty, stating something with a high degree of confidence. The NAS translates phasko with the English word assert which means to affirm or declare positively or with assurance and often even forcefully or aggressively. The idea of assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. Phasko - 3x - Acts 24:9; Acts 25:19; Ro 1:22 Acts 24:10 When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, NET Acts 24:10 When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, "Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense. GNT Acts 24:10 Ἀπεκρίθη τε ὁ Παῦλος νεύσαντος αὐτῷ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος λέγειν, Ἐκ πολλῶν ἐτῶν ὄντα σε κριτὴν τῷ ἔθνει τούτῳ ἐπιστάμενος εὐθύμως τὰ περὶ ἐμαυτοῦ ἀπολογοῦμαι, NLT Acts 24:10 The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, "I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you. KJV Acts 24:10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: ESV Acts 24:10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. CSB Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: "Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me. NIV Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. NKJ Acts 24:10 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, NRS Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: "I cheerfully make my defense, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation. YLT Acts 24:10 And Paul answered -- the governor having beckoned to him to speak -- 'Knowing that for many years thou hast been a judge to this nation, the more cheerfully the things concerning myself I do answer; had nodded for him to speak: Ac 12:17 13:16 19:33 21:40 26:1 Knowing that for many years you have been a judge: Ac 18:15 1Sa 2:25 Lu 12:14 18:2 I cheerfully make my defense: 1 Pe 3:15 Video of Paul before Felix Acts 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL GIVES HIS DEFENSE I love S Lewis Johnson's sermon title - The Governor Before the Apostle, or Delegated Authority Before Ultimate Authority: Acts When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded - "the governor gestured for him to speak" "The governor then motioned for Paul to speak." The only other use of the verb "nodded" (neuo) is in Jn 13:24 where " Simon Peter gestured to him (JOHN), and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” Knowing (epistamai) that for many years you have been a judge (rites) to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense - Notice that Paul sticks with facts and avoids flattery unlike Tertullus! He goes as far as he can in the way of a compliment. It is an honest statement that comes across a succinct but sincere compliment. The idea would be you have been a judge for a long time and presumably have honed your skills as a judge. So Paul is not fearful, but cheerful! Talk about a Spirit filled man. Constable adds that "Felix had had contact with the Jews in Palestine for over 10 years, first in Samaria and then in Judea. Paul"s introduction was also briefer than Tertullus" opening statement." (Acts 24 Commentary) Larkin comments that Paul's "exordium with its captatio benevolentiae is respectful, affirming, within the bounds of truth, and brief. Paul gladly makes his defense because Felix's long tenure in Palestine has provided experience, knowledge and insight on Jewish affairs. Felix may well have spent a decade already in Palestine, first as administrator of Samaria under Cumanus (A.D. 48-52) and then as governor from A.D. 52 to the time of Paul's trial, A.D. 58 (Tacitus Annals 12.54; Josephus Jewish Wars 2.247; Jewish Antiquities 20.137). Paul's introduction models the bold, yet respectful, demeanor that Peter counsels us all to adopt when we stand before civil authorities and are required to "give the reason for the hope" that is within us (1 Pet 3:15-16+)....Paul's solid defense teaches us that though proclaiming a controversial message may spark an uproar, messengers themselves must always be peace-loving, circumspect and law-abiding. (Ref) Cheerfully (only use in Bible)(2115)(euthumos from eu = good, well + thumos = temperament, mindset) is literally well-minded, and so in good spirits, encouraged. With good spirited happiness on account of being encouraged. Make...defense (626)(apologeomai from apo = from + logos = speech) literally means, “to talk one’s self off from" and thus to speak in one's own defense, defend oneself. BDAG - "to speak in one’s own defense against charges presumed to be false," Apologia was a technical word used in the Greek law courts and was used of an attorney who talked his client off from a charge preferred against him. The English word “apologetics” comes from the Greek word. Our English word apology originally did not mean “to say I am sorry” but actually referred to “a defense presented in court.” Apologetics is the branch of theology that deals with the defense of the faith. Every Christian should be able to give a reasoned defense of his hope in Christ, especially in hopeless situations. A crisis creates the opportunity for witness when a believer behaves with faith and hope, because the unbelievers will then sit up and take notice. Acts 24:11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. NET Acts 24:11 As you can verify for yourself, not more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. GNT Acts 24:11 δυναμένου σου ἐπιγνῶναι ὅτι οὐ πλείους εἰσίν μοι ἡμέραι δώδεκα ἀφ᾽ ἧς ἀνέβην προσκυνήσων εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ. NLT Acts 24:11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. KJV Acts 24:11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. ESV Acts 24:11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, CSB Acts 24:11 You are able to determine that it is no more than 12 days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. NIV Acts 24:11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. NKJ Acts 24:11 "because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. NRS Acts 24:11 As you can find out, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. YLT Acts 24:11 thou being able to know that it is not more than twelve days to me since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, no more than twelve days ago Ac 24:1 21:18,27 22:30 23:11,23,32,33 I went up to Jerusalem to worship: Ac 24:17 21:26 Video of Paul before Felix Acts 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Since you can take note of the fact - As you can verify for yourself" (NET); "You can quickly discover" (NLT). Take note (1921) see discussion above on epiginosko.

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Constable - In response to Tertullus' first charge (v. 5), Paul said that since he had been in Jerusalem only 12 days he had not had time to be much of a pest. (Acts 24 Commentary) Carrying on a discussion (1256)(dialegomai) means that his accusers did discover him engaging in an interchange of speech which would have in any way been construed as inciting others to riot. Acts 24:13 "Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. NET Acts 24:13 nor can they prove to you the things they are accusing me of doing. GNT Acts 24:13 οὐδὲ παραστῆσαι δύνανταί σοι περὶ ὧν νυνὶ κατηγοροῦσίν μου. NLT Acts 24:13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing. KJV Acts 24:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. ESV Acts 24:13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. CSB Acts 24:13 Neither can they provide evidence to you of what they now bring against me. NIV Acts 24:13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. NKJ Acts 24:13 "Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. NRS Acts 24:13 Neither can they prove to you the charge that they now bring against me. YLT Acts 24:13 nor are they able to prove against me the things concerning which they now accuse me. Ac 25:7 1Pe 3:16 Video of Paul before Felix Acts 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NO MOTIVE, METHOD OR PROOF OF CRIME EXISTS Nor can (dunamai) they prove (paristemi) to you the charges of which they now accuse (kategoreo) me - "They have made “charges,” mere assertions. They have not backed up these charges with proof, “nor can they,” says Paul." (Robertson)

Atos 24

Constable points out that in mentioning his belief in the fathers and then the Word of God he "was not claiming that the church is the continuation of Israel (cf. Eph. 2:11-22). His point was that his beliefs did not contradict anything predicted in the Old Testament." (Acts 24 Commentary) Constable's point is important because of the false teaching that has surfaced in recent years that is referred to as the Hebrew roots movement. Related Resources: What is the Hebrew Roots movement? - Is Messianic Judaism and the Hebrew Roots movement the same thing? The Haters: The Hebrew Roots Movement - Does the Jewishness of Christianity need to be restored and emphasized? PAUL BELIEVED THE WORD OF GOD John

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Constable - This verse contains the only New Testament reference that Paul believed in the resurrection of the wicked as well as the resurrection of the righteous. Nevertheless the Scriptures speak elsewhere of God raising all people to face judgment (e.g., Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:31-33, 46; John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:12-15). (Acts 24 Commentary) Resurrection (386)(anastasis from ana = up, again + histemi = to cause to stand) literally means “to stand again" or "to cause to stand again" and most NT uses refer to a physical body rising from the dead or coming back to life after having once died. The resurrection is distinguished from belief in reincarnation, which usually involves a series of rebirths from which the soul may seek release. Resurrection has primary reference to the body. The resurrection is the central, defining doctrine and claim of the gospel for as Paul wrote "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." (1Cor 15:14) Anastasis in Acts - Acts 1:22; Acts 2:31; Acts 4:2; Acts 4:33; Acts 17:18; Acts 17:32; Acts 23:6; Acts 23:8; Acts 24:15; Acts 24:21; Acts 26:23; Righteous (1342)(dikaios from dike = right, just) defines that which is in accordance with high standards of rectitude. It is that which is in right relation to another and so in reference to persons defines the one who is morally and ethically righteous, upright or just. Dikaios in Acts - Acts 3:14; Acts 4:19; Acts 7:52; Acts 10:22; Acts 22:14; Acts 24:15 Wicked (94)(adikos from a = without + dike = justice) is an adjective which generally describes that which is characterized by violation of divine law. It means acting in a way that is contrary to what is right. As in the Old Testament, the “unrighteous” (adikos) are a class of people who stand over against the “righteous,” or the people of God. The “righteous” will be “rescued” (cf. above Ps 18:48; 120:2; 140:1 and 2 Pe 2:9), while the “unrighteous” will be punished and judged (2 Pe 2:9-note; cf. 1 Cor 6:9 - referring to a lifestyle or continual behavior that is adikos) Jesus declared “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. (John 5:28,29) Comment -

Atos 24

Constable writes “The apostle had become a political pawn in the will of God.” (Acts 24 Commentary) Left (2641)(kataleipo from kata = intensifies meaning of + leipo = to leave behind, forsake) literally means to leave behind or leave a person remaining, in this case in a prison cell. Presumably Felix revoked Paul's privileges of liberty that Felix had granted him. The use of kataleipo suggest that Felix basically neglected Paul with a distinct sense of disregard. This period could not have been easy for a man like the apostle Paul. NET Note on Porcius Festis - Porcius Festus was the procurator of Palestine who succeeded Felix; neither the beginning nor the end of his rule (at his death) can be determined with certainty, although he appears to have died in office after about two years. Nero recalled Felix in A.D. 57 or 58, and Festus was appointed to his vacant office in A.D. 57, 58, or 59. According to Josephus Antiquities 20.8.9-10; Josephus Wars 2.14.1), his administration was better than that of his predecessor Felix or his successor Albinus, but Luke in Acts portrays him in a less favorable light: He was willing to sacrifice Paul to court Jewish favor by taking him to Jerusalem for trial (Acts 25:9), regardless of Paul's guilt or innocence. The one characteristic for which Festus was noted is that he dealt harshly with those who disturbed the peace. Related Resources: Porcius Festus - Wikipedia Porcius Festus - JewishEncyclopedia Drusilla - Wikipedia Jack Andrews - Years ago in a small town in Indiana a man made a balloon ride with a huge helium balloon. The basket in which he ascended was attached to the balloon with three ropes. As the man soared up into the air the people saw him cut one of these ropes. They shouted for him not to cut the second rope, but in a moment they saw him cut that rope. They shouted again, “Don’t cut the last rope!” But in a moment the man cut the last rope and came plummeting down to his death. This was his way of suicide. Every time someone turns Christ down they are cutting one of the ropes. Someday without knowing it he or she will cut the last rope. Their last opportunity will be gone and they will go down to death and hell. Have you truly heard the gospel message and come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Are you a procrastinator? Do you put off for tomorrow what you need to do today? Who was Porcius Festus? - Answer: Porcius Festus was a Roman procurator, succeeding Antonius Felix somewhere between AD 55 and 60. History describes him as fair and reasonable—much more so than Felix or Festus’ successor, Albinus. In the Bible Porcius Festus is known for sending Paul to Rome to stand trial under Emperor Nero. the events leading to Paul’s meeting with Porcius Festus are filled with danger. In Acts 21, Paul returns from a missionary journey. He visits James (Jesus’ brother), the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and pays the fee of men who had taken a Nazarite vow (Acts 21:17–26). Less than a week later, Paul is spotted in the temple by devout Asian Jews who condemned his work spreading the gospel. Because of a misunderstanding, they falsely accuse Paul of bringing a Gentile into the temple, and they have Paul arrested. Paul gives his defense to the Jews in Acts 22:1–21, but it’s not received well, and the mob turns ugly. The Roman tribune (commander above a centurion) protects Paul from the mob by hurrying him into the barracks and orders Paul to be flogged. Paul reveals he is a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:22–29), which causes the tribune to call off the flogging. The tribune later allows Paul to give his testimony before the Jewish council, including the high priest, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees, who promptly get into a fight about whether Paul is actually guilty of anything. Tempers flare so high that the tribune again extricates Paul back to the army barracks (Acts 23:1–11). The next day, Paul’s nephew warns the tribune that forty men have vowed to murder Paul, so the tribune sends Paul with two hundred soldiers as guards to Felix, the governor in Caesarea (Acts 22:12–22). The tribune is still curious as to why the Jewish leaders want Paul dead, and he requests Felix uncover the truth. The high priest, some elders, and a hired spokesman arrive in Caesarea five days later to present their case before Felix, but the Jews from Asia are absent, and the governor delays a decision until the tribune can arrive—or until Paul offers a sufficient bribe. The bribe never comes, and Felix leaves Paul in custody for two years (Acts 24). Festus succeeds Felix as governor, and Paul’s pending case is one of his first concerns. The Jewish leadership meet Festus in Jerusalem and ask that he bring Paul from Caesarea—their purpose was to ambush Paul and kill him on the way. Festus hasn’t even been to his new home yet, and he invites Paul’s accusers to go with him to Caesarea and get things squared away. Festus could see the charges against the apostle were specious but, wanting to have a good relationship with his new people, asks Paul to go to Jerusalem and stand trial. This would give benefit Festus in two ways: he would get on the good side of the Jewish leadership, and he could move the venue of the trial so he wouldn’t have to deal with it. Paul politely tells Festus that, as Caesar’s representative, Festus needs to either make a fair decision or let him make his case before Caesar. After conferring with his advisors, Festus agrees to send Paul to Caesar (Acts 25:1—12). Before Paul can leave for Rome, King Herod Agrippa II and his sister/lover Bernice come to visit Festus. The new governor isn’t as knowledgeable about the Jewish religion as Felix, whose wife was Jewish, had been. But, in his attempt to repair Rome’s relationship with the Jews, Porcius Festus still wants to understand why the Jews are trying to kill Paul. He also knows it’s absurd to send a man to trial in Rome with no official charges, so he asks Agrippa for advice (Acts 25:13–27). Paul gives his testimony to King Agrippa. Unlike Felix, who wanted a bribe, or Festus, who doesn’t understand much of what’s going on, Agrippa immediately judges that Paul is completely innocent of any official wrongdoing. He tells Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar” (Acts 26:32). Despite Paul’s innocence and Festus’ lack of any real charge, Paul had appealed to Caesar, and Festus must send him. Once in Rome, Paul spends two years under house arrest, chained to a guard, but he is finally in the city where he had longed to be for years (Romans 15:23). And while there he has the opportunity to write the epistles Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Josephus had favorable things to say about Porcius Festus. He recorded that at the time Festus took his position, Sicarii bandits were roaming the countryside, plundering and burning villages. They also mingled into crowds of worshipers and killed people with short, curved swords. Festus learned an imposter had gone to the Sicarii, promising them deliverance from their hardships. The imposter led the bandits to the wilderness where Festus’ forces killed the imposter and his followers. Paul’s case was not the only time Festus allowed Jews to appeal to Caesar. King Agrippa built a dining area in his palace that, because of the elevation, looked down onto the actions taking place in the temple. In response to this, and to the guard post that also overlooked the temple, the Jews built up the western wall of the temple’s inner court. Agrippa ordered the wall down, and Festus agreed, but then acquiesced to the Jews’ counterproposal that they be allowed to petition Nero about the matter. When the Jews returned with a ruling in their favor (all but the two who had been retained as hostages by Nero’s wife), Festus agreed to let the wall stand. In a way, Porcius Festus was to Paul what Pontius Pilate was to Jesus. He valued peace with the Jews more than justice and, despite determining his prisoner was innocent, sent him to judgment. In his quest for political control, Festus dismissed Paul’s situation as a “dispute . . . about their own religion” (Acts 25:19). At one point when Paul was speaking before Agrippa, “Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. ‘You are out of your mind, Paul!’ he shouted. ‘Your great learning is driving you insane’” (Acts 26:24). Festus was governor for only two or three years before he died. He was succeeded by Albinus.