propagate his principles throughout the Empire, Paul, to satisfy her curiosity, was brought into her presence.  But an interview, which seems to have been designed merely for the amusement of the Procurator and his partner, soon assumed an appearance of the deepest solemnity.  As the grave and earnest orator went on to expound the faith of the gospel, and “as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled.” [137:1] His apprehensions, however, soon passed away, and though he was fully convinced that Paul had not incurred any legal penalty, he continued to keep him in confinement, basely expecting to obtain a bribe for his liberation.  When disappointed in this hope, he still perversely refused to set him at liberty.  Thus, “after two years,” when “Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room,” the ex-Procurator, “willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.” [137:2]

The apostle was soon required to appear before the new Governor.  Festus has left behind him the reputation of an equitable judge; [137:3] and though he was obviously most desirous to secure the good opinion of the Jews, he could not be induced by them to act with palpable injustice.  After he had brought them down to Caesarea, and listened to their complaints against the prisoner, he perceived that they could convict him of no violation of the law; but he proposed to gratify them so far as to have the case reheard in the holy city.  Paul, however, well knew that they only sought such an opportunity to compass his assassination, and therefore peremptorily refused to consent to the arrangement.  “I stand,” said he, “at Caesar’s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged.  To the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.  For if I be an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.” [138:1]

The right of appeal from the decision of an inferior tribunal to the Emperor himself was one of the great privileges of a Roman citizen; and no magistrate could refuse to recognise it without exposing himself to condign punishment.  There were, indeed, a few exceptional cases of a flagrant character in which such an appeal could not be received; and Festus here consulted with his assessors to ascertain in what light the law contemplated that of the apostle.  It appeared, however, that he was at perfect liberty to demand a hearing before the tribunal of Nero.  “Then,” says the evangelist, “when Festus had conferred with the council, he answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar?  Unto Caesar shalt thou go.” [138:2]