Festus was governor for only three days before the Jews came to spend several days with him to secure their plot to ambush and kill Paul (1-6). Although their serious charges were not supported by any evidence (7), their efforts to win Festus over were successful. He was inclined to do them a favor by seeking to move the case, even if it risked Paul’s life. After two years in prison, and knowing their plots, Paul appealed to Caesar (8-12).

Festus presented Paul’s case to Agrippa, due to his inability to find a reason for his imprisonment (13-22), and Agrippa agreed to hear Paul. Festus again expressed his inability to find a reasonable charge (24-27), revealing that Paul’s imprisonment had a deeper reason than the schemes of the Jews.

It seemed again that Paul was at the mercy of wicked men. But his cry, “I appeal to Caesar” was his faith in Jesus’ purpose to send him to Rome, where he would testify (23:11). This made him bold and willing to take risks by faith in Jesus’ words. He did not become like this overnight. Paul grew in faith through his lifelong pursuit of Jesus’ purpose for him, putting all else aside (Php 3:13-14).
Application: Father, to be Jesus’ disciple requires putting out into deep water, where the future is unknown, requiring trusting you fully. Help me grow step by step in this confidence in my daily life.
One Word: Grow to put Jesus’ purpose first