Acts 25:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do you see how he tries to please the Jews? To consult with the accusers is flattery. It is the sign of a corrupted mind that perverts the order of the case. See how Paul’s trial is again postponed, and how malice gives occasion for preaching. Providence orders it so that he comes to Jerusalem conveniently, with a guard of protection, and without being plotted against by anyone. Indeed, it is not the same thing simply to arrive, and to arrive on such a matter. This also caused the Jews to gather there. He remained in Jerusalem for a long time, so that you might see that even over a long period, the evil plot could do nothing to him when God did not permit it.

This word of the accused determined the further course of his case. Festus could not fail to grant Paul’s demand, and had to send him to Rome for the judgment of Augustus. But before Paul, according to his demand, was sent to Rome, he still had to undergo one more trial in Caesarea, and once more bore witness to Christ before Israel.

This declaration should at once have ended the entire judicial proceeding. The procurator confirmed the demand, solemnly declaring, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.” Thus the great apostle of the nations would soon depart for the capital of the world, to which he had long aspired in spirit, but he would depart in bonds.

Festus, having conferred with the council: the council attached to provincial governors usually consisted of several officials called councilors or assessors. They took part in the administration of the province.

Festus was, of course, consulting them about whether Paul's appeal to Caesar could be permitted and confirmed. Paul undoubtedly had the right to appeal to Caesar as a Roman citizen.

The Julian law strictly forbade placing any obstacles before a Roman citizen who wished to appeal to Caesar. The council, together with Festus, evidently found no obstacles to accepting Paul's appeal.

The governor announced this to the apostle in the words: "You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go." In these words one seems to hear the procurator's displeasure with Paul.

This is understandable after the subtle remarks directed to him in the apostle's answer (verses 10-11).

Festus' answer to Paul was affirmative. Yet it is worthy of note that he still consulted the members of the judicial body present there.

This body consisted of several persons who took part in governing the province. Since both the high priests and the more important Jewish elders could have a share in provincial administration, the request for an opinion partly concerned them as well.

This was especially so because, in the present case, one could hope that they too would find nothing to say against it. The Julian law strictly forbade placing any obstacles before a Roman citizen who wished to appeal to Caesar.