Topical Encyclopedia Background and ContextCaesarea, a prominent city in the Roman province of Judea, served as the administrative center and the residence of the Roman procurators. It was named in honor of Caesar Augustus and was a hub of Roman culture and governance in the region. The city played a significant role in the New Testament narrative, particularly in the life of the Apostle Paul. Paul's Arrest and Transfer to Caesarea The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in early Christianity, was arrested in Jerusalem following accusations by Jewish leaders that he had defiled the temple by bringing Gentiles into its inner courts (Acts 21:27-29). This accusation led to a tumultuous scene, and Paul was seized by the crowd. The Roman commander, learning of the uproar, intervened to prevent Paul's death at the hands of the mob (Acts 21:31-32). To ensure Paul's safety and to ascertain the truth of the accusations, the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, decided to send Paul to Caesarea to be tried by the Roman governor, Felix. This decision was made after a plot to kill Paul was uncovered, prompting the commander to act swiftly to protect him (Acts 23:12-22). The Journey to Caesarea Paul's transfer to Caesarea was conducted with significant military protection. The commander ordered two centurions to prepare a detachment of soldiers—comprising two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen—to escort Paul safely to the governor (Acts 23:23). This formidable escort underscores the seriousness with which the Roman authorities regarded the threat to Paul's life and their commitment to maintaining order. The journey took place under the cover of night to further ensure Paul's safety. The soldiers brought Paul as far as Antipatris, a midway point, before the horsemen continued with him to Caesarea (Acts 23:31-32). Paul Before Felix Upon arrival in Caesarea, Paul was presented to Governor Felix, along with a letter from Claudius Lysias explaining the circumstances of Paul's arrest and the reasons for his transfer (Acts 23:33-35). Felix, known for his administrative skills but also for his moral shortcomings, was the Roman procurator of Judea from approximately AD 52 to 60. Felix agreed to hear Paul's case once his accusers arrived from Jerusalem. In the meantime, Paul was kept under guard in Herod's Praetorium, a palace that served as the governor's residence and administrative headquarters (Acts 23:35). Significance Paul's transfer to Caesarea and subsequent trial before Felix highlight the intersection of Roman law and Jewish religious tensions. It underscores the providential protection over Paul, allowing him to continue his mission and eventually appeal to Caesar, fulfilling his calling to bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11). This episode also illustrates the complexities of early Christian interactions with Roman authorities and the legal systems of the time. Nave's Topical Index Acts 23:23-35And he called to him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen three score and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; Nave's Topical Index Library From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem. The End The Civil Trial In Rome Paul a Prisoner The Apostle of the Gentiles. The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70 Peter Stood Up. Justinian. St. Gregory the Great. Resources Who was Porcius Festus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.org Who was Herod Agrippa II? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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