Freedom

We all long for freedom. So many things promise it, or some form or concept of it. But true freedom is not what it’s sold as. Freedom is not just being able to do what we want, more importantly, it’s the freedom of not having to do what we want. We don;t always want to do the right thing, or what is best for us and those we love. The compulsion to do what is bad for us and those around us is sin, and it’s consequence is ultimately death. The only freedom from this comes by faith in Christ Jesus and the subsequent work of the Holy Spirit of God. Paul’s time with some of the most powerful and popular leaders proves this irony and gives us, and those we get to share it with, a chance for real freedom.

Scripture

Acts 25:1-26:32 ESV  Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.  [2]  And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him,  [3]  asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.  [4]  Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.  [5]  “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”  [6]  After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.  [7]  When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.   [13]  Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.  [14]  And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix,  [15]  and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.  [16]  I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.  [17]  So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.  [18]  When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.  [19]  Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.  [20]  Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.  [21]  But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”  [22]  Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”  [23]  So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.  [24]  And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.  [25]  But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.  [26]  But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write.  [27]  For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”  [26:1]  So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:  [2]  “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,  [3]  especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.  [4]  “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.  [5]  They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.  [6]  And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,  [7]  to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!  [8]  Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?  [9]  “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  [10]  And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.  [11]  And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.  [12]  “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.  [13]  At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.  [14]  And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’  [15]  And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.  [16]  But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,  [17]  delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you  [18]  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’  [19]  “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,  [20]  but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.  [21]  For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.  [22]  To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:  [23]  that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”  [24]  And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”  [25]  But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.  [26]  For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.  [27]  King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”  [28]  And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”  [29]  And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”  [30]  Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.  [31]  And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.”  [32]  And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Through the Scripture

Jesus Christ’s chosen witness from Jerusalem to Rome

Before looking at the events of Paul’s trial that led to him being sent to Rome to stand before Caesar, it’s vital that we look back at what Jesus had revealed about His plans for Paul, before He even called him. It reminds us that Jesus calls whom He wishes to the purpose for which He has created them. Our lives are not a series of accidental unplanned events, but despite the most powerful peoples attempts, have been planned from before our birth.

Acts 9:13-15 ESV  But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.  [14]  And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”  [15]  But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

Acts 23:10-11 ESV  And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.  [11]  The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

Psalms 139:13-16 ESV  For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  [14]  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  [15]  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.  [16]  Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Persistent imprisonment and persecution

Paul had been kept in prison for two years by Felix who, according to historians, married Drusilla (the sister of Agrippa II and Bernice) after paying a magician to persuade her to leave her husband and marry him. This long imprisonment protected Paul from his murderous accusers, but did nothing to lessen their hatred. After all that time they were still determined to kill him. The grossly immoral seemed to have control over Paul’s freedom, but God was in control.

Acts 25:1-5 ESV  Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.  [2]  And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him,  [3]  asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.  [4]  Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.  [5]  “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

Acts 24:24-27 ESV  After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.  [25]  And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”  [26]  At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.  [27]  When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Paul’s appeal to Caesar

When it became evident that Festus may cave to political pressure and send him to Jerusalem to die at the hands of the Jews, Paul used a Roman’s citizens privilege to prevent this outcome. By appealing to Caesar he would be protected from the Jews, but subject to the cruel injustice of the emperor Nero. Was this a mistake? Whether it was or not, it didn’t take Jesus by surprise. Everything remains under His control.

Acts 25:8-12 ESV  Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.”  [9]  But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”  [10]  But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.  [11]  If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”  [12]  Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Romans 8:28-29 ESV  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  [29]  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Paul’s testimony of past subjugation

For most of us we would think Paul was fighting for his freedom, even for his life, but was he? Instead of defending himself, Paul takes the opportunity to testify to Jesus. He testifies to the resurrection of Jesus and it’s impact on his own life. This is how the saints will overcome the evil one and his agents, by the blood of Jesus (the Gospel) and the word of their testimony (how He saved them).

Acts 26:5-11 ESV  They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.  [6]  And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,  [7]  to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!  [8]  Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?  [9]  “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  [10]  And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.  [11]  And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Revelation 12:11 ESV  And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Galatians 1:13-14 ESV  For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.  [14]  And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.

Paul’s testimony of liberation to purpose

Three times in Acts we read about Paul meeting Jesus outside Damascus. He shared it at his arrest in Jerusalem and now in Caesarea. In Jerusalem he spoke to the Jews, here he testifies to the king of Israel and all the most powerful and influential people in Caesarea. It’s an immense opportunity for the spread of the Gospel and fulfils Jesus prediction and plan for Paul. It describes not just the goodness, mercy and power of the resurrected Christ, but also the change Jesus made to Paul.

Acts 26:15-23 ESV  And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.  [16]  But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,  [17]  delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you  [18]  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’  [19]  “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,  [20]  but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.  [21]  For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.  [22]  To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:  [23]  that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

Acts 9:4 ESV  And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

Acts 22:7-8 ESV  And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’  [8]  And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’

How near was freedom, and narrowly was it missed?

The question of whether Paul made a mistake appealing to Caesar gets really pointed now as Agrippa confirms that Paul could have received his freedom had he not done so - but who is free here, and who has missed an opportunity for freedom? Ironically, Agrippa was on the cusp of ultimate freedom, and yet he chose to walk away from the Gospel and the loving mercy of Jesus Christ. Felix, Drusilla, Festus, Agrippa and Bernice had been given the opportunity of an eternal lifetime, did they take it, or did they waste it by appealing to the world?

Acts 26:27-32 ESV  King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”  [28]  And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”  [29]  And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”  [30]  Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.  [31]  And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.”  [32]  And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free.

Paul knows true freedom. Freedom from compulsion to hatred and control. Freedom from being controlled by the fear of death. Freedom from chasin the approval of people, the lust for power and influence, wealth and prestige. Freedom from his own selfish desires. Only Jesus can do this and it’s the only true freedom, becuase it frees us from death itself.

John 8:31-36 ESV  So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,  [32]  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  [33]  They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”  [34]  Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.  [35]  The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.  [36]  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Romans 6:19-23 ESV  I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.  [20]  For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.  [21]  But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.  [22]  But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.  [23]  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Titus 3:3-7 ESV  For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  [4]  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  [5]  he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  [6]  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  [7]  so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.