Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian Church, experienced a significant period of imprisonment that lasted for two years. This event is documented in the Acts of the Apostles, specifically in Acts 24:27. During this time, Paul was held in custody in Caesarea under the Roman governor Felix and later under his successor, Festus.Context and Background Paul's arrest and subsequent imprisonment were the result of his missionary activities and his bold proclamation of the Gospel, which often incited opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities. His arrest in Jerusalem followed a tumultuous series of events, including accusations from Jewish leaders who claimed he was inciting rebellion and desecrating the temple (Acts 21:27-36). Imprisonment Under Felix Governor Felix, known for his corrupt and indecisive nature, presided over Paul's initial trial. Despite the lack of evidence against Paul, Felix kept him in custody, hoping for a bribe (Acts 24:26). During this time, Paul was granted a degree of freedom, allowing his friends to attend to his needs (Acts 24:23). Felix frequently conversed with Paul, intrigued by his teachings about "righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment" (Acts 24:25). However, Felix's fear and procrastination led to Paul's prolonged detention. Transition to Festus After two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. The transition of power is noted in Acts 24:27: "After 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" . Festus, seeking to placate the Jewish leaders, continued Paul's imprisonment, although he was more proactive in addressing the charges against Paul. Significance of the Two-Year Custody Paul's two-year imprisonment in Caesarea was a period of both trial and opportunity. Despite being confined, Paul continued to witness to those around him, including Roman officials and visitors. His steadfast faith and eloquent defense of the Gospel during this time exemplified his unwavering commitment to Christ. This period also highlights the providence of God in using Paul's circumstances to further the spread of the Gospel. Paul's eventual appeal to Caesar, as a Roman citizen, set the stage for his journey to Rome, where he would continue his ministry and ultimately fulfill his calling to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Theological Reflections Paul's experience in custody serves as a testament to the challenges faced by early Christians and the perseverance required to uphold the faith amidst adversity. His writings during this time, though not directly from Caesarea, reflect a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a focus on the eternal hope found in Christ. Paul's imprisonment underscores the theme of suffering for the sake of the Gospel, a recurring motif in his epistles, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith regardless of circumstances. Nave's Topical Index Acts 24:27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter iv. Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Acts XXVIII Against vigilantius. Carey's Last Days Christian Churches. The Greater Prophets. The Catholic Epistles. "There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ... Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Resources Is the New Perspective on Paul biblical? | GotQuestions.orgDid Paul ever meet Jesus in person? | GotQuestions.org Who was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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