Paul Before the Governors
                                                               Acts 23:25- chapter 26:32

Paul appeared before three governors.

The commander had sent a letter to Felix, the Roman governor, stating the charges against him.
Five days later the Jewish leaders with their lawyer, Tertullus (TURTUL us), arrived.  He
presented the Jews' case and Paul responded to the charges.Felix kept Paul in prison for two
 years, sending for him frequently and talking to him.


Paul next appeared before Festus (who became the Roman governor after Felix).  Again the
 charges were brought against him and Paul defended his innocence.  He told Festus he wanted
 to appeal to Caesar to try the case and his request was granted.

Before the time came for him to be sent to Rome, King Agrippa arrived in
Caesarea (ses uh REE uh) with his wife Bernice.  Festus discussed the case with him and
 the king said he would like to hear Paul speak.

The next day Paul was brought before the king.  He told the king of his conversion and how
 he had changed from being the persecutor of Christians to being a Christian himself.   Festus
accused him of talking like an insane person. Paul continued reasoning with the two rulers.

Finally the governors left the room.  They said to one another that Paul had done nothing to
 deserve death or imprisonment.  Agrippa said Paul could have been set free if he had not
 asked to be sent to Caesar for trial.  We know, of course, that God had plans for Paul in
 Rome and it was necessary for him to go.

Memory Verse:
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to
 stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
                                                                                               Ephesians 6:13 NIV

 (You can find a description of the full armor of God in Ephesians 6: 14-17. These verses can
 be added to the verse above as further memory work.)