ACC ~ Acts 25 v13 - 21

OVERVIEW:

Commentators point out that once again Luke stresses Paul’s innocence in a legal process. Luke’s skill at fitting the words to the speaker is apparent in Festus’s self-laudatory description of his actions. The moderns also provide a useful identification of Agrippa and his sister Bernice. Some also remark that Paul has now appeared before a “synagogue” and a “governor” and will soon appear before a king (Lk 12:11-12; see also Acts 9:15-16). Chrysostom reads Festus’s testimony not only as a condemnation of the petulant persistence of Paul’s Jewish opponents but in some way as a proxy of God’s vengeance.

25:14 | Paul’s Case Set Before Agrippa

THE WITNESS OF FESTUS. CHRYSOSTOM: See [Paul’s] enemies who unwittingly conspired in creating a large audience. Even Agrippa himself falls into a desire for a hearing—and not only does he listen, but he does so with intensity. And then, look at [his] defense. As Festus presents it, he exposes the cruelty of the Jewish leaders. Because when the governor says these things, he is beyond suspicion, resulting in the Jewish leaders being convicted by him. For, after he has exposed the truth about all these things, then God metes out punishment. Felix condemns them, Festus condemns them and, even though he was favorably inclined, Agrippa condemns them too. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 51.