Paul preaches before

CHAP. XXIV.

Felix and Drusilla.

A. M. cir. 406. 25 And as he reasoned of righteous-, wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

A. D. cir. 60.

An. Olymp. ness, temperance, and judgment to cir. CCIX. 4. come, Felix trembled, and answered. Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

seen her, fell desperately in love with her, and by means of a pretended Jewish magician, a native of Cyprus, persuaded her to leave her husband; on which Felix took her to wife. She appears, on the whole, to have been a person of an indifferent character; though one of the finest women of that age. It is said that she, and a son she had by Felix, were consumed in an eruption of mount Vesuvius. See Josephus, Antiq. lib. xx. cap. 7. and see Calmet and Rosenmuller. Heard him concerning the faith in Christ.] For the purpose mentioned in the note on ver. 21. that he might be the more accurately instructed in the doctrines, views, &c. of the Christians.

Verse 25. As he reasoned of righteousness] Axious; the principles and requisitions of justice and right, between God and man; and between man and his fellows, in all relations and connexions of life.

Temperance] Expaтeas chastity; self-government, or moderation with regard to a man's appetites, passions, and propensities of all kinds.

27 But after two years, Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

b Exod. 23. 2. ch. 12. 3. & 25. 9, 14.

A. M. cir. 4064.
A. D. cir. 60.

An. Olymp. cir. CCIX. 4.

A. M.cir. 4066,
A. D. cir. 62.
An. Olymp.
cir. CCX. 2.

he had little to fear; the king of Edessa, her husband, had
been dead about three years before this: and as to Jewish
scruples, she could be little affected by them; she had al-
ready acted in opposition to the Jewish law, and she is said
to have turned heathen, for the sake of Felix.
We may
therefore hope, that Felix felt regret for the iniquities of his
life; and that his conscience was neither so seared, nor so
hardened, as not to receive and retain some gracious impres-
sions from such a discourse, delivered by the authority and
accompanied with the influence of the Spirit of God. His
frequently sending for the apostle to speak with him in pri-
vate, is a proof that he wished to receive farther instructions
in a matter, in which he was so deeply interested, though he
certainly was not without motives of a baser kind; for he
hoped to get money for the liberation of the apostle..

Go thy way for this time] His conscience had received as much terror and alarm as it was capable of bearing; and probably he wished to hide, by privacy, the confusion and dismay, which, by this time, were fully evident in his countenance.

And judgment to come] Kiparos TOU μEλλovos; the day of retribution, in which the unjust, intemperate, and incon- Verse 26. He hoped also that money should have been given linent, must give account of all the deeds done in the body. him] Bp. Pearce asks," How could St. Luke know this?" This discourse of St. Paul was most solemnly and pointedly To which I answer, From the report of St. Paul, with whom adapted to the state of the person to whom it was addressed. || Felix had frequent conferences, and to whom he undoubtedly Felix was tyrannous and oppressive in his government; lived expressed this wish. We may see here, the most unprinciunder the power of avarice and unbridled appetites; and pled avarice in Félix, united to injustice. Paul had proved his incontinence, intemperance, and injustice, appear fully before him, his innocence of the charges brought against in depriving the king of Edessa of his wife; and in his con-him by the Jews. They had retired in confusion, when he duct towards St. Paul, and the motives by which that conduct || had finished his defence. Had Felix been influenced by the was regulated. And as to Drusilla, who had forsaken the common principles of justice, Paul had been immediately husband of her youth, and forgotten the covenant of her discharged; but he detained him, on the hope of a ransom. God, and become the willing companion of this bad man, He saw that Paul was a respectable character; that he had opushe was worthy of the strongest reprehension; and Paul's || lent friends; that he was at the head of a very numerous sect, to reasoning on righteousness, temperance, and judgment, was whom he was deservedly dear; and he took it therefore for not less applicable to her, than to her unprincipled para-granted, that a considerable sum of money would be given

mour.

Felix trembled] "The reason of Felix's fear," says Bp. Pearce, 66 seems to have been, lest Drusilla, who was a Jewess, and knew that what she had done was against the law of Moses, might be influenced by Paul's discourse, and Felix's happiness with her disturbed. What is said of Felix, ver. 26. seems to shew that he had no remorse of conscience for what he had done." On the head of Drusilla's scruples,

for his enlargement. Felix was a freed man of the emperor Claudius; consequently had once been a slave. The stream rises not above its source: the meanness of the slave is still apparent, and it is now insufferable, being added to the authority and influence of the governor. Low bred men should never be entrusted with the administration of public affairs. Verse 27. After two years] That is, from the time that Paul came prisoner to Cæsarea.

Porcius Festus] This man was put into the government of Judea about A. D. 60. the sixth or seventh year of Nero. In the succeeding chapter we shall see the part that he took in the affairs of St. Paul.

preceding chapter.

2. Tertullus begins his speech with flattery, against which every judge should have a shut ear; and then he proceeds to calumny and detraction. These generally succeed each other. He who flatters you, will in course calumniate you for receiving his flattery. When a man is conscious of the uprightness of his cause, he must know, that to attempt to support it by any thing but truth, tends directly to debase it. 3. The resurrection of the body was the grand object of the genuine Christian's hope; but the ancient Christians only

Willing to shew the Jews a pleasure] As he had not got the money which he expected, he hoped to be able to prevent the complaints of the Jews against his government, by leaving Paul, in some measure, in their hands. For it was customary for governors, &c. when they left, or were removed from a particular district or province, to do some public, be-hoped for a blessed resurrection, on the ground of reconcilianeficent act, in order to make themselves popular. But Felix tion to God, through the death of his Son. In vain is ður gained nothing by this: the Jews pursued him with their hope of glory, if we have not got a meetness for it. And complaints against his administration, even to the throne of || who is fit for this state of blessedness, but he whose iniquity the emperor. Josephus states the matter thus: "Now when is forgiven, whose sin is covered, and whose heart is purified Porcius Festus was sent as successor to Felix, by Nero; the from deceit and guile! principal of the Jewish inhabitants of Cæsarea went up to Rome, to accuse Felix. And he certainly would have been brought to punishment, had not Nero yielded to the importunate solicitations of his brother Pallas, who was at that time in the highest reputation with the emperor." Antiq. lib. xx. cap. 9. Thus, like the dog in the fable, by snatching at the shadow, he lost the substance. He hoped for money from the apostle, and got none; he sought to conciliate the friendship of the Jews, and miscarried. Honesty is the best policy: he that fears God, need fear nothing Justice and truth never deceive their possessor.

else.

4. We could applaud the lenity shewn to St. Paul by Felix, did not his own conduct render his motives for this lenity very suspicious. “To think no evil, where no evil seems,” is the duty of a Christian; but to refuse to see it, where it most evidently appears, is an imposition on the understanding itself.

5. Justice, temperance, and a future judgment, the subjects of St. Paul's discourse to Felix and Drusilla, do not concern an iniquitous judge alone; they are subjects which should affect and interest every Christian; subjects, which the eye should carefully examine, and which the heart should ever feel. Justice respects our conduct in life, particularly in reference 1. Envy and malice are indefatigable, and torment them- to others: Temperance, the state and government of our selves in order to torment and ruin others. That a high || souls, in reference to God. He who does not exercise himpriest, says pious Quesnel, should ever be induced to leave || self in these, has neither the form nor the power of godlithe holy city, and the functions of religion, to become theness; and consequently must be overwhelmed with the accuser of an innocent person; this could be no other than shower of divine wrath in the day of God's appearing. Many the effect of a terrible derelictiou, and the punishment of of those called Christians, have not less reason to tremble at the abuse of sacred things. a display of these truths, than this heathen.

CHAPTER XXV.

Porcius Festus being appointed governor of Judea, instead of Felix, the Jews beseech him to have Paul brought up to Jerusalem, that he might be tried there; they lying in wait to kill him on the way, 1-3. Festus refuses, and desires those who could prove any thing against him, to go with him to Cæsarea, 4, 5. Festus having tarried at Jerusalem about ten days, returns to Cæsarea, and the next day Paul is brought to his trial; and the Jews of Jerusalem bring many groundless charges against him, against which he defends himself, 6—8. In order to please the Jews, Festus asks Paul if he be willing to go up to Jerusalem, and be tried there? 9. Paul refuses, and appeals to Cæsar, and Festus admits the appeal, 10—13. King Agrippa, and Bernice his wife, come to Cæsarea to visit Festus, and are informed by him of the accusations against Paul, his late trial, and his appeal from them to Cæsar, 14-21. Agrippa desires to hear Paul; and a hearing is appointed for the following day, 22. Agrippa, Bernice, the principal officers and chief men of the city being assembled, Paul is brought forth, - 23. Festus opens the business with generally stating the accusations against Paul, his trial on these accusations, the groundless and frivolous nature of the charges, his own conviction of his innocence, and his desire that the matter might be heard by the king himself; that he might have something specifically to write to the emperor, to whom he was about to send Paul, agreeably to his appeal, 24-27.

The Jews move'

A. M.cir. 4065.
A. D. cir. 62.

An. Olymp.

cir. CCX. 2.

Jerusalem.

NOW

A. D. cir. 62.
An. Olymp.

W when Festus was come come kept at Cæsarea, and that he himself A. M.cir. 4066. into the province, after three would depart shortly thither. days he ascended from Cæsarea to

cir. CCX. 2.

5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Cæsarea; and the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, commanded Paul to be brought.

7 And when he was come, the Jews which

Ch. 24. 1. ver. 15. ch. 23. 12, 15.- eh. 18. 14. ver. 18.

Or, as some copies read, no more than eight or ten days.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXV.

he did; and thus disappointed the malice of the Jews, and fulfilled his own gracious design.

the alleged charges.

Verse 1. Now when Festus was come into the province] By the province is meant Judea ; for after the death of HeHe-would depart shortly] So had the providence of rod Agrippa, Claudius thought it imprudent to trust the go- God disposed matters, that Festus was obliged to return vernment in the hands of his son Agrippa, who was then speedily to Cæsarea; and thus had not time to preside in but seventeen years of age: therefore Cuspius Fadus was such a trial at Jerusalem. And this reason must appear sufsent to be procurator. And when afterwards Claudius had ficient to the Jews; and especially, as he gave them all ligiven to Agrippa the tetrarchate of Philip, that of Bataneaberty to come and appear against him, who were able to prove and Abila, he nevertheless kept the province of Judea more immediately in his own hands, and governed it by procurators sent from Rome. Josep. Ant. 1. xx. cap. 7. sect. 1. Felix being removed, Porcius Festus is sent in his place; and having come to Cæsarea, where the Roman governor generally had his residence, after he had tarried three days, he went up to Jerusalem, to acquaint himself with the nature and complexion of the ecclesiastical government of the Jews; no doubt, for the purpose of the better administration of justice among them. Verse 2. The high priest—informed him against Paul] They supposed that, as Felix, to please them, on the resignation of his government, had left Paul bound; so Festus, on the assumption of it, would, to please them, deliver him into their hand: but as they wished this to be done under the colour of justice, they exhibited a number of charges against Paul, which they hoped would appear to Festus a sufficient reason why a new trial should be granted; and he be sent to Jerusalem to take this trial. Their motive is mentioned in the succeeding verse.

Verse 5. Let them which among you are able] Q duvaro those who have authority; for so is this word often used by good Greek authors, and by Josephus. Festus seems to have said: "I have heard clamours from the multitude relative to this man; but on such clamours, no accusation should be founded: yourselves have only the voice of the multitude as the foundation of the request which you now make. I cannot take up accusations which may affect the life of a Roman citizen, on such pretences. Are there any respectable men among you; men in office and authority, whose character is a pledge for the truth of their depositions, who can prove any thing against him? If so, let these come down to Cæsarea, and the cause shall be tried before me, and thus we shall know whether he be a malefactor

or not."

Verse 6. When he had tarried-more than ten days] The strangeness of this mode of expression suggests the thought, that our printed text is not quite correct in this place; and this suspicion is confirmed by an examination of MSS. and Versions: queças ou #AEIOUS OXTW n dexa not more than EIGHT OR ten days, is the reading of ABC. several others of great respectability, with the Coptic, Armenian, and Vulgate. Griesbach admits this reading into the text, and of it, professor White says, Lectio indubiè genuina: "This is doubtless the genuine reading."

Verse 4. Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea] It is truly astonishing that Festus should refuse this favour to the heads of the Jewish nation, which, to those who were not in the secret, must appear so very reasonable; and especially, as, on his coming to the government, it might be considered an act that was likely to make him popular; and he could have no interest in denying their request. But God had told Paul, that he should testify of Verse 7. The Jews-laid many and grievous complaints him at Rome; and he disposed the heart of Festus to act as || against Paul] As they must have perceived that the Roman

Paul answers for

A. D. cir. 62.

A. D. cir. 62.
An. Olymp.

A. M. cir.4066. came down from Jerusalem stood || to Jerusalem, and there be judged of A. M.cr. 4066. An. Olymp. round about, and laid many and these things before me? cir. CCX. 2. grievous complaints complaints against against Paul, which they could not prove.

b

8 ¶ While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.

9 But Festus, * willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up

d

10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar's cir. CCX. 2. judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

Mark 15. 3. Luke 23. 2, 10. ch. 24. 5, 13. ch. 6. 13. & 24. 12. & 28. 17.

© Ch. 24. 27. ver. 20.

-ever. 25. ch. 18. 14. & 23. 29. & 26. 31.

punishment, I do not wish to save my life by subterfuges ; I am before the only competent tribunal; here my business should be ultimately decided.

No man may deliver me unto them.] apostle are very strong and appropriate.

The words of the
The Jews asked as

governors would not intermeddle with questions of their law, &c. they no doubt invented some new charges, such as sedition, treason, &c. in order to render the mind of the governor evil affected towards Paul; but their malicious designs were defeated, for assertion would not go for proof before a Roman tribunal: this court required proof, and a favour, yapı, from Festus, that he would send Paul to the blood thirsty persecutors of the apostle could produce none. Jerusalem, ver. 3. Festus, willing to do the Jews χαριν this Verse 8. While he answered for himself] In this in-favour, asked Paul if he would go to Jerusalem, and there stance St. Luke gives only a general account, both of the be judged, ver. 9. Paul says, I have done nothing amiss accusations and of St. Paul's defence. But, from the words either against the Jews or against Cæsar, therefore no man, in this verse, the charges appear to have been threefold. με δύναται αυτοίς χαρίσασθαι, can make a PRESENT of me 1. That he had broken the law. 2. That he had defiled the to them; that is, favour them so far as to put my life into temple. 3. That he dealt in treasonable practices: to all their hands, and thus gratify them by my death. Festus, in his of which he no doubt answered particularly; though we address to Agrippa, ver. 16. admits this, and uses the same form have nothing further here than this, Neither against the law of speech: It is not the custom of the Romans xapılɛobat of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, gratuitously, to give up any one, &c. Much of the beauty of have I offended any thing at all. this passage is lost, by not attending to the original words.

Verse 9. Willing to do the Jews a pleasure] This was merely to please them, and conciliate their esteem; for he knew, that as Paul was a Roman citizen, he could not oblige him to take a new trial at Jerusalem.

Verse 10. I stand at Cæsar's judgment-seat] Every procurator represented the person of the emperor in the province over which he presided; and, as the seat of government was at Cæsarea, and Paul was now before the tribunal on which the emperor's representative sat; he could say, with the strictest propriety, that he stood before Cæsar's judgmentseat, where, as a freeman of Rome, he should be tried.

See on ver. 16.

I appeal unto Cæsar.] A freeman of Rome, who had been tried for a crime, and sentence passed on him, had a right to appeal to the emperor, if he conceived the sentence to be unjust; but even before the sentence was pronounced, he had the privilege of an appeal in criminal cases, if he conceived that the judge was doing any thing contrary to the laws. ANTE sententiam appellari potest in criminali negotio, si judex contra leges hoc faciat.-GROTIUS.

An appeal to the emperor was highly respected. The Julian law condemned those magistrates, and others having be-authority, as violaters of the public peace, who had put to death, tortured, scourged, imprisoned, or condemned any Roman citizen who had appealed to Cæsar. Lege Julià de vi publica damnatur, qui aliqua potestate præditus, Civem Romanum ad Imperatorem appellantem necurit, necarive jusserit, torserit, verberaverit, condemnaverit, in publica vincula duci jusserit. Pauli Recept. Sent. lib. v. t. 26.

As thou very well knowest.] The record of this trial fore Felix, was undoubtedly left for the inspection of Festus; for, as he left the prisoner to his successor, he must also leave the charges against him, and the trial which he had undergone. Besides, Festus must be assured of his innocence, from the trial through which he had just now passed.

Verse 11. For if I be an offender] If it can be proved This law was so very sacred and imperative, that, in the that I have broken the laws, so as to expose me to capital || persecution under Trajan, Pliny would not attempt to put to

CHAP. XXV. and admits Paul's appeal to Cæsar.

A. M. cir. 4066. deliver me unto them. I appeal Bernice came unto Cæsarea to salute A.M. cir. 40s. An. Olymp. unto Cæsar.