“I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:22-23).

Paul’s Third Trial  Before Felix, procurator of Judea (52-59 AD)  Freed slave from emperor’s household  “Wielded royal power w/ the instincts of a slave” (Josephus)  Charges against Paul  A troublemaker (literally, a “plague”)  Ringleader of the Nazarene sect  Desecrated the temple

Paul’s Third Trial (cont.)  Paul’s defense  I hadn’t had time to create trouble  I am a faithful Jew (following the Way)  Where are the witnesses of this “desecration?”  Felix adjourned the hearing without coming to a decision  Continued to talk privately w/ Paul  Felix was ousted by Nero in 59 after his inept handling of an uprising in Caesarea

Paul’s Fourth Trial  Before Porcius Festus, procurator from  An honorable man, according to Josephus  Faced with civil unrest, terrorist assassinations, and a temple wall  Issue was extradition to Jerusalem  Assassination plotted—again!  Paul refuses to be coerced; appeals to Rome

Interlude  The visit of Herod Agrippa II  Great-grandson of Herod the Great, son of Agrippa (died in 44 in Caesarea)  Puppet of Rome: granted kingdom of Chalcis by Claudius; additional lands granted after the Jewish War by Vespacian  Herod agrees to hear Paul testify  Simple curiosity?  Favor to the new procurator

Paul’s Fifth Trial  Before Herod Agrippa II  Paul begins by telling his story  Raised the strictest of Pharisees  Persecuted the church  Confronted by Jesus!  Subsequently obedient to his vision  Interruption!  Festus believes him mad!  Herod equivocates.