The Green Forest tribune., 1916-10-13

thoroughly, and with the use of q map locate the places mentioned. The date of this lesson is A. D. 59, and it oc- cured at the crisis of the events which determined the way Paul should go to Rome, Nero being the emperor at that time
 l. Paul in the Prison at caesarea (vv. 16). Paul was worn out, badly in need of rest, and is given during this Imprisonment much freedom. He was accompanied by Luke, his physician, and probably some of his other friends. For almost 20 years Paul had been liv- ing strenuous life, crowded full of labors that would have crushed an or dinary man. Now for some consider able time he had time to thoroughly master and assimilate the truth which he had been preaching. the results of which have come down to us in the form of letters, seven of which at least were written during and after the events of this lesson. His imprison- ment also gave many of his friends opportunity to secure his counsel and
 
 hatred of the Jews is evident by this new plot whereby they sought the help of Festus against Paul. The corrupt Felix had been succeeded by more upright man, Festus. The scheme of these enemies of Paul and of Jesus had already resulted in giving Paul an op- portunity to preach Jesus as the Christ and the judge of men to persons who otherwise would not have been within the scope of his influence. Through his persecution he had reached leading officials and educated men of the Ro- mans and of the Jews Bunyan, in Bedford jail, and Luther in Witten- berg Castle, are illustrations of the principle that, difficulties are the stones out of which all Gods houses are built" The three days referred to in verse l evidently mean after the landing at Caesarea from his journey to Rome of this new governor. The principal men of the Jews immediately repeated the charges which Tertullus had falsely made. (See last iesson.) Notice they ask for a favor" not jus tice, knowing if the favor were granted and they once secured Paul's presence in Jerusalem. they would have him in their power. Festus, however, an swers that Paul shall be Sepy dp Caesa. req ,.----. he. him self, shousM M @&~7.l, 7, a Sf.Si; ,i,ld x as hot ln1eflHiiig ft3 "gso to Jerusalem at that time; however, he guarantees a fair trial.
 Felix, on giving up his office to his successor, left Paul bound {Ch. 24 :27) though he knew he ought to be re- leased, but by this vile, iniquitous act, he gave Paul another one of his de- sired opportunities to witness for Christ in high places. The shrewdness of Festus saved Paul from falling into the trap of the Jews, for God was guid- ing Festus, and at the same time guarding Paul.
 II. Paul's Appeal to Caesar (vv. T. 12). The Jews made many and griev- ous complaints, but without bringing a single witness to prove their asser- tions. Doubtless these were the same old charges that had been brought be- fore Felix through Tertulus two years before and which now, as then could not be proved. Paul was permitted to answer for himself, and he declared that he had broken neither the Jew lsh nor the Roman law. Most of the enemies of Christianity and of the Bible Hay many and grievous charges against it which they cannot prove" In all ages the enemies of God and his word mistake strong and confident charges and vilifcations as proofs. Pauls life was absolutely clean, and he could say, II have not sinned at all" (v. R. F) in any of the directions in which he was charged. Festus, as the newly appointed governor, desired to do the Jews a favor; literally, desired to gain their favor. Therefore he said to Paul, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things be- fore Me?" This amounted to an ac- quittal of Paul on the charges that would come under the Roman law.
 There remained only such charges as would naturally come before the San hedrin, and the question was whether Paul would accept an informal acGuit- tai from the Roman court on condition that he submit to trial before his own people on the other count. Fes- tus wished to throw upon Paul the re- spOnsibility of refusing to go to Jeru- salem, and to avoid displeasing the Jews. Paul indignantly stood up and said, T am standing before Caesars Judgment seat' fvy. 10, II, Read care fuily) Paul w ap ealing to q prop CT tribunal, to one t..at had a famous reputation for it's findings. lie was ex- ercising his rights as Roman citizen. He was also in the exercise of those rights, using the means God had for his presentation of the Gospel in the City of Rome. Paul never abused the rulers of his nation (See Romans 9:3. lo:D. Even if FeStus should acouft and release Paul, the Jews would fall upon him by assassins as they had twice before tried to do (23 :12: 25 .31
 Festus got courteous but sting ing and well deserved rebuke from his prisoner. Paul was perfectly willing to take any punishment he deserved. even unto death, but, having a clear conscience, he had no fear of Festus or any man. His appeal to Caesar was most unexpected. It confused festus and baffied the Jews. The Lords own words on his midnight visit to Paul in prison are here suggested (23: ID.
 Festus could make but one decision. Unto Caesar thou shalt go." Paurs sincere and anan chara