Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 254

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

PAUL APPEALS TO CESAR . 247 deavored to administerjustice. Three days afterhis arrivalat Cæsarea,Festuswent up to Jerusalem. Here he was speedilyimportuned by theJews,who lostno timeinpresentingtheir accusationsagainstPaul. The long imprisonment of Paul had not softenedtheirmalignant hatred, nor shaken their determination to take hislife. They urgedthat he shouldbe triedby theSanhedrim,and requestedthathe be immediatelysentto Jerusalem. Althoughthisrequest was so plausible, itconcealeda deep-laidplot. They were resolvednot to leavehim even to the decisionof the Sanhedrim council,but to summarilydisposeof thecaseby murderinghim on the way . At Cæsarea,Festushad alreadymet thepopular clamoragainstPaul,but at Jerusalemthe demand forhisdeathwas notmerelythecry ofthe mob. A deputationof themosthonorablepersonagesof the city,headed by the high priest, formallypresentedtherequestconcerningPaul, not doubtingthat thisnew and inexperienced officialcouldbe moldedat pleasure,and thatto gaintheirfavorhe would readilygrant allthat they desired. But Festus was not a man who would sacrifice justicetogainpopularity. The Jews soonfoundthatthey were dealingwith one who more resembled a Gallio than a Felix. With keen insighthe penetratedthe motive that prompted theirrequest,and courteouslydeclinedto send for Paul. He stated,however ,that he himself would soon return to Cæsarea , and that he would theregive them a fairopportunityto prefertheir chargesagainsthim. Thiswas not what theywanted. Theirformer