The high priest and the elders (Sanhedrin) hired a lawyer named Tertullus to present their case against Paul (57 AD). The entire issue is a matter of Jewish law concerning a violation on the Temple
Mount. This case was being judged by the Roman Governor (procurator), a gentile, named Felix, and it will ultimately be appealed all the way to Nero for a final verdict in 62 AD. Nero will basically throw
the case out of court because it has to do with Jewish Law and religious ritual. This case does burn
up 5 years of Paul's ministry and he is held in prison, not being allowed to travel. It is during those years, though, Paul writes the letters of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippi and Philemon.
On this day in court in Caesarea, Felix hears the both sides, but adjourns until he can hear a testimony of the Roman commander from Jerusalem concerning the events that transpired on the Temple Mount.
It is amazing how serious the Jews are about this case against Paul. Not only have they hired
a lawyer to represent them in Caesarea, but the high priest himself and members of the Sanhedrin attend the case. Of course, they may know they are accusing one of the best legal minds of their generation and need to use all their resources. Either way, their forces and strategies were not enough to bring down Paul. It will take them five years of legal battles before they finally lose the case. Paul will be set free by Nero in 62 AD.
Nero will hear another case against Paul in 67-68 AD when the Ephesian businessmen and metal workers come against Paul in Roman court. In this second case, Paul will be found guilty and decapitated upon Nero's orders. A few weeks later Nero commited suicide. |
