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Festus, Felix, and Paul. Scripture Acts 24 & 25
When I say the names of Felix or Festus — do you associate them with the apostle Paul? The mental picture of the TV images that are connected to those names could leave you with an “odd trio”. Felix and Festus were men of Roman authority. The Jewish people had some points of dispute with [Paul] about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. Felix was at a loss how to investigate . . .”
Two years have passed since Paul came to the palace prison in Caesarea. Festus is now the governor instead of Felix.
Felix thought he would be doing Paul’s accusers a favor by leaving Paul in prison, but they want more. Two years is a long time to wait for a decision from the court. Two years is also a long time to hold on to anger, but Paul’s accusers still want Paul to be killed.
Festus is puzzled about how to proceed with investigating the charges and the claim that Jesus is alive. He realizes he has been asked to decide a religious question about Jewish customs and practices, so he asks Paul if he wants to stand trial at Jerusalem. Rather than return to Jerusalem, Paul, as a Roman citizen, makes an appeal for his case to be heard by the emperor, Caesar.
Leading up to this, Paul says, “If I am guilty of anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die.” He is willing to die, but he has to be heard. He continues to follow the plan of God in order to be heard in Rome.
The twists and turns of Paul’s life are clarified by this truth: he is headed to Rome to testify about Jesus before the highest court in the world. Festus may be puzzled, but Paul is certain. Jesus is alive, and others need to know this good news.
Oh by the way, don’t prejudge someone or something by their name. The “odd trio” I mentioned at the beginning may have had unusual names and memorable personalities. Today their character displayed belief in their work ... looking for justice.
Can we say the same for ourselves?
Prayer: Dear God, may the praise, testimony, and witness of our lives always be centered on this truth that puzzles people still today: Jesus is alive! In his name we pray. Amen.
Pastor Dorothy Hotchkiss of Webster’s Crossing UMC and Groveland Federated Parish.
dhotch2@frontiernet.net 585/406-7030 cell/text
Added alert: Spaghetti Dinner Take-out will be available at Webster Crossing United Methodist Church by donation this Thursday, July 23 from 4:30 to 7 PM. The menu will be Spaghetti, Sauce, Meat Balls, Parmesan Cheese, Tossed Salad, Salad Dressing, Italian Bread, Cookies and Water.
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