The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 436

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

430 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES asked if lie was willing to go to Jerusalem under Ms protection, to be tried by the Sanhedrim. The apostle knew that he could not look for justice from the people who by their crimes were bringing down upon themselves the wrath of God. He knew that, like the prophet Elijah, he would be safer among the heathen than with those who had rejected light from heaven and hardened their hearts against the gospel. Weary of strife, his active spirit could ill endure the repeated delays and wearing suspense of his trial and imprisonment. He therefore decided to exercise his privilege, as a Eoman citizen, of appealing to Caesar. In answer to the governor's question, Paul said: ^^I stand at Caesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die : but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar." Festus knew nothing of the conspiracies of the Jews to murder Paul, and he was surprised at this appeal to Caesar. However, the words of the apostle put a stop to the proceedings of the court. ''Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered. Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go." Thus it was that once more, because of hatred born of bigotry and self-righteousness, a servant of God was driven to turn for protection to the heathen. It was this same hatred that forced the prophet Elijah to flee for succor to the widow of Sarepta;