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).

A1 | 24: 1. TIME.--After five days.

B1 | 24: 1-9. CHARGE.--Tertullus informed against Paul (emphanizo).

C1 | 24: 10-21. DEFENCE.--I cheerfully answer for myself.

D1 | 24: 22-27. JUDGMENT.--Felix. |

a | Judgment to come.

b | Willing to show the Jews a pleasure.

A2 | 25: 1. TIME.--After three days.

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

C2 | 25: 8. DEFENCE.--He answered for himself.

D2 | 25: 9-12. JUDGMENT.--Festus. |

b | Willing to do the 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.--License to answer for himself.

D3 | 25: 17-22. JUDGMENT.--Festus. |

a | I sat on the judgment seat.

b | Would Paul go to Jerusalem?

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 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: