The Easter season is finishing, and with it, the liturgical readings from the Acts of the Apostles are ending. The main character of the second part of Acts is Paul. Over the past few days we have witnessed his conversion on the road to Damascus; we have accompanied him in spirit on three mission trips; and yesterday, when the Romans imprisoned him, we heard, as the Lord Jesus said to him: „ As you testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.“ (Acts 23,11). Since yesterday, we have been moving forward by more than two years. Paul spent this time as a prisoner in Caesarea and now begins to take significant steps towards his goal, Rome.
The rivalry of the Roman citizen was to appeal the dispute to the emperor in Rome. Paul uses this right (Acts 25:11) to avoid Jewish judgment. His future is sealed; he will go to the emperor (Acts 25,12). In today’s reading, we have a relatively long speech by Paul’s new captor, the Roman procurator Festus, who informs King Agrippa, currently present in Caesarea, about Paul’s case. It is gently reminiscent of the scene and figures from the Passion in Luke’s Gospel (Lk 23); also, Jesus was interrogated by the Roman procurator (Pilate) and consulted the king (Herodes) on the matter. Moreover, the author shows that, in both cases, the competent authorities find the defendant innocent.
Fest‘s speech in today’s reading is a preparation for a process to solve a serious problem; there is some „prisoner without guilt“, and it would be foolish to send him to the emperor, when a formulated accusation is missing (Acts 25, 26 27). We have the irony of power outlined here: even though the prosecutor can release Paul, he does not do it because he wants to thank the Jews (Acts 25,9). Considerations bind him, and he fears that he will lose his power. He is strong on the outside, but bound on the inside. Anyone who clings to his power, position, or authority is the same. He who is like Paul can serve the truth and build the common good; outwardly perhaps bound, but inwardly free.
Vesta‘s words reflect how someone from the outside looks at the Christian. He may be embarrassed (v. 20) because he is not interested in religious topics. But paradoxically, he can briefly and clearly describe what is at stake in the Christian faith; that Jesus died and lives (v. 19). In conclusion, let’s say that neither the council in Jerusalem, nor the emperor in Rome to whom Paul is sent, nor any other instance in the world can solve whether Jesus is dead or alive. Let’s raise this question in others with our good lives and show an answer that will bring joy and hope.
Hello. And Bye.