Festus – The Roman governor who succeeded Felix
Felix was a cruel ruler and not fair at all. He had destroyed the peace in Judea, so Felix was expelled and Festus was made the new governor so that the affairs of Judea could be fixed. Festus was governor from about 59 to 62 AD. His main role was to hear the case of Paul, besides he was a just ruler who established peace in Judea with justice and fairness. This was a difficult task for him because after the reign of Felix things had deteriorated there, but Festus thoughtfully crushed the rebellions there and enacted laws that were also in favor of the people.
Verse
“Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.” (Acts 25:1)
Verse
“When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.” (Acts 24:27)
Verse
“After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.” (Acts 25:6-7)
Paul Meeting With Festus
Paul was arrested during the reign of Felix and served two years in prison. After the reign of Felix, his case was reopened because the Jewish rulers wanted him to be punished. Paul was called before Festus to hear his case and make a decision. The Jewish rulers told Festus that the trial should be held in Jerusalem. On which Festus asked Paul that you can appear for trial in Jerusalem. Festus understood that the Jewish rulers wanted Paul to be killed on the way, but Festus listened to both sides and tried to please everyone. So he asked Paul to go to Jerusalem. On which Paul also understood that the Jewish rulers would kill me there, so Paul, who was a resident of Rome. He defended himself by saying that I had a right as a Roman citizen on which I would appeal to Caesar.
Verse
“They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.” (Acts 25:3)
Verse
“Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?” Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:9-11)
Paul’s Appealing in Front of Caesar
Paul was in danger in Jerusalem. To avoid this danger, Paul used his right as a Roman citizen and asked to take his case before Caesar. Festus also agreed. This matter was difficult for Festus. Because on one side there were the Jewish rulers who were asking to call Paul to Jerusalem and on the other hand Paul who used his right to be a Roman citizen and put the case before Caesar. Respecting the rules of the Roman government, Festus decided to send him to Rome instead of Jerusalem so that matters could be settled fairly.
Verse
“After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!” (Acts 25:12)
Festus Meeting With King Agrippa
Festus once met King Agrippa. He was the Jewish king. He showed interest in Paul‘s case and asked Festus for details about his case. Festus told everything about how Paul’s case was heard and how he used his right to be a Roman citizen. Paul was summoned before the king Agrippa. Then Paul said that I am only conveying the message of Christianity to the people, besides my aim is not to harm anyone or insult anyone’s faith. Upon which both Festus and the king Agrippa agreed that Paul had no sin. King Agrippa said that if you had not appealed to Caesar, we would have banished you. This shows that Festus was a just ruler.
Verse
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.” (Acts 25:22)
Verse
“After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:31-32)
Verse
“I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.” (Acts 25:16)
Festus’s Death
Festus ruled after Felix. He ruled only from 59 to 62 AD. After the cruel regime of Felix, Festus established peace among the people with justice. Judaea, which was in revolt, Festus settled their affairs with justice and made peace. But Festus ruled for a very short time. Later he died suddenly and passed away. After that, things got worse again in Judea. Because later they did not get a just ruler and the situation became worse again.
Verse
“After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:31-32)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Festus was very fair and just and wanted the happiness of all people. Festus ruled for a short time, but still he established peace in Judea that other rulers could not do. In addition, the greatest achievement was that he released Paul from prison and decided his case with justice. Festus is still remembered by people because of his justice. There is a lesson in this for us to manage things well, even if we have authority only for a short time.
