Paul to Be Kept at Caesarea - Acts 25:4

Luke the beloved physician wrote, “when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him”, and in chapter twenty-five and verse four of the book of Acts Luke shared how “Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea”, where we read:

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea,

and that he himself would depart shortly there.

The verse begins, “But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, ...” Luke began with the words, “But Festus answered” which means “however, nevertheless, notwithstanding and moreover Festus whose name means festival responded and said”, “that Paul should be kept” or “that Paul, whose name means small or little, ought to be attended to carefully, guarded, observed and watched” “at Caesarea” which means “in the city of Caesarea whose name means severed and was of Palestine that was built near the Mediterranean by Herod the Great on the site of Strabo's Tower, between Joppa and Dora”. Luke shared how “Festus” told the “high priest and chief of the Jews” that “Paul” should remain under watch in the city of “Caesarea”.

The verse continues, “... and that he himself would depart shortly there.” Luke added the words, “and that he himself” which means “and that he, Festus, his own self” “would depart shortly there” or “intended and had in mind to leave and go forth to Caesarea with speed and quickness”. Luke shared how “Festus” informed the “high priest and chief of the Jews” that he would go to “Caesarea” soon.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Festus” did not comply with the “high priest and chief of the Jews” request, but told them that he would travel to “Caesarea” in short order. “Paul” was preserved again, and though the Jewish leaders wanted to “eliminate” him again, their plan was foiled. God kept “Paul” alive because He desired to have him share His “gospel” of salvation through His Son Jesus with more people. God loves people, and He wants everyone to yield to His Son Jesus so they may be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with Him. Those who believe and trust in Jesus will gain eternal life with God, and woe be to those who refuse, reject and want to kill God's good news.

Next time Luke shares how Festus said Paul's complainants could come to Caesarea, “and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".