B2 25:2-7. CHARGE.- The High Priest informed against Paul (emphamzo).

C2 25:8.

DEFENCE.- He answered for himself.

b Willing to do the

D2  25:9-12.  JUDGMENT.-

Jews a pleasure.

a I stand at Cæsar's

judgment seat.

A3 25:13. TIME.- After certain days.

B3 25:14,15.  CHARGE.- The chief priests informed against Paul (emphanizo).

C3 25:16.

DEFENCE.- Licence to answer for himself.

D3  25:17-22. JUDGMENT.-

a I sat on the judgment

b Would Paul go to

It will be seen that Paul's trial before the two Roman Governors falls into three sections, marked by the

recurrence of `Time', `Charge', `Defence' and `Judgment'. With regard to the fourth heading, it will be observed

that in the first section it is not the judgment-seat of either the Roman Emperor or the Roman Governor that is in

view, but rather the `judgment to come', at the prospect of which even Felix trembled. The judgment of God and

the judgment of man are in striking contrast. Felix hoped for money from Paul, and to cover his own evil tracks

upon his recall to Rome, he left him a prisoner, wishing `to show the Jews a pleasure'. Festus also, for higher and

purer motives, was willing to make concessions to the Jews, and have Paul tried at Jerusalem; a point that is

repeated in the third account, as the structure shows (Acts 25:17-22).

We come now to the trial before Felix, and Paul's defence. There is no flattering opening in this case, but the

apostle does make an initial statement that would probably help to secure a sympathetic hearing: `Forasmuch as I

know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself' (Acts

24:10). From Josephus we learn that Felix had held this office for a period of six years, and was not recalled until

A.D. 60. He had also, according to Tacitus, held rule jointly with Cumanus prior to A.D. 52. Whatever his

character, Felix was bound to have been acquainted with the land and the people, and this is all that Paul claims.

The first point made by the apostle is given in verse 11: `Because it is in thy power to ascertain that only twelve

days have passed since I went up to Jerusalem to worship'. The twelve days are made up as follows:

1st Day.- Arrival at Jerusalem (21:15-17).

2nd Day.- Interview with James, etc. (21:18).

3rd Day.- Purification in the Temple (21:26).

7th Day.- The seven days nearly completed.

Paul arrested (21:30).

8th Day.- Before the Sanhedrin (22:30).

9th Day.- Conspiracy Revealed (23:12).

10th Day.- Arrival at Cæsarea (23:33).

11th and 12th Days.- In custody (23:35).

13th Day.- Trial before Felix (24:1).

Felix knew the date of Pentecost, and could confirm that Paul had actually arrived for this feast. A complete

account of all his movements for the whole time under review was obtainable. The further points in his defence

POSITIVE.-

He came to worship in the Temple.