What was paul imprisoned in rome for

Mosaic Law made no provision for incarceration as a form of punishment. Joseph languished in an Egyptian prison for two years, presumably awaiting trial before Pharaoh on a charge of rape Genesis —20; Jeremiah was imprisoned under accusation of treason Jeremiah —16 but was transferred to the temple guardhouse after an appeal to King Zedekiah, who sought to protect the prophet — And though Jeremiah was later thrown into a cistern, the purpose was to kill him, not imprison him —6.

He then was under house arrest in Rome for two years , awaiting an appearance before Nero. From there, Paul believed only his execution would be left —7 , which was probably carried out in AD Swindoll, Inc. All rights are reserved worldwide.

Used by permission. For additional information and resources visit us at www. Derrick G. Jeter holds a master of theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and served as a writer for the Creative Ministries Department of Insight for Living Ministries.

He has authored or coauthored more than twenty-five books. Derrick's writing has appeared on influential Web sites, and he is a contributing writer for The Christian Post. He and his wife, Christy, have five children and live in the Dallas area.

Acts ; ; Luke was a Greek physician Col. As a premier historian, he documented the labors of the great apostle to the Gentiles. Luke also sent his greetings in the letters Paul wrote to the Colossians Col. Aristarchus was a Jewish convert from Thessalonica Acts ; Col. In Ephesus, he was ruffed up by an unruly crowd Acts Timothy was probably closer to Paul than any other person on earth.

On several occasions, he is warmly commended by the great apostle 1 Cor. A native of Lystra, we can infer that he was converted by Paul when the apostle first visited that city cf. Paul selected him to be a traveling companion when the apostle passed back through the region on his second missionary campaign Acts ff. In spite of the fact that apparently, he had a less-than-aggressive personality cf. The apostle pledged to send his young friend to Philippi to assist the brethren there Phil.

At some point Timothy himself was imprisoned, but then released Heb. Whether the young man made it in time, we do not know. He journeyed east with the apostle to Jerusalem. He was likely a church messenger, responsible for conveying a portion of the benevolent contribution to Judea. Thus, we conclude he was with the apostle in Rome. Paul appears to have considered Tychicus as a possible relief for Titus on Crete Tit.

Certainly, he was a comfort to Paul, himself. A most unlikely candidate as an apostolic associate was a slave from Colossae whose name was Onesimus. Onesimus had abandoned his master, Philemon, and fled to Rome. He probably hoped to lose himself in that crowded metropolis, perhaps stealing money from his owner in the process Phile. But the apostle would not retain his services under these circumstances, especially without the permission of Philemon Phile.

Roman law required runaway slaves to be returned to their owners. And so Paul sent Onesimus home in the company of Tychicus with high praise. Indeed, he is encouraged to embrace his servant with the same spirit he would have extended to Paul himself Phile. If this disposition was adopted, then Onesimus would have remained a slave no longer, at least practically speaking.

Another unlikely associate of Paul in Rome was Mark. Mark was the son of Mary Acts and the cousin of Barnabas Col. But along the way at Perga in Pamphylia , he left them and returned to Jerusalem Acts It is clear that Paul felt the abandonment was unjustified because when he and Barnabas were planning a second campaign, Barnabas wanted to take John Mark again. Paul resisted and a contention so sharp developed between the two that these friends went their separate ways Acts But time passes and people change.

Apparently, Paul had plans to send Mark to Colossae and so begged the brethren to receive him should the plan materialize Col. The past was forgotten. Mark had redeemed himself. Who was Jesus Justus?

But nothing more is known of him except the fact that he was a valued Jewish co-worker. The apostle considered him a source of comfort Col. This brother was a powerful instrument in spreading the gospel of Christ, apparently having established the churches in Colossae Col.

Since Paul characterizes him as a fellow-prisoner, we may conclude that he was held by the Roman authorities even as the apostle was. Perhaps he voluntarily submitted to incarceration in order to minister to Paul. Epaphras was a deeply spiritual man Col. Demas is a sad case indeed. There appears to be a distance—a stiffness—in that. Noted scholar J. Did Demas grow tired of giving so much of his time to the Lord? Did he resent the deprivation of income? Was he weary of an association with a prisoner?

Had Paul rebuked him in some way? And when a plot against his life is revealed, a strong band of cavalry and foot soldiers takes him at night to safety in Caesarea Acts That's where we pick up the story. For the next two years AD , Paul is kept under guard in Herod's palace in Caesarea Acts as the politicians -- Roman governors and Jewish kings -- seek to use Paul to gain political advantage with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. His imprisonment isn't about justice, but about preventing discontent from turning into open rebellion among the Jews.

So Paul is neither formally charged nor released. Acts spends several chapters on this which I'll try to summarize and interpret. Five days pass before a contingent from Jerusalem comes to present its charges before Felix the Roman governor.

The high priest, Ananias AD , son of Nedebaeus leads the delegation. Ananias had a reputation for greed and gluttony. Ananias, according to F. Bruce, "was one of the most disgraceful profaners of the sacred office. He had been sent to Rome, accused by the governor of Syria of acts of violence in 52 AD, but was acquitted by emperor Claudius and returned to the high priesthood.

Even after he is deposed from office, he uses his great wealth to get his way through violence and assassination. Because he is pro-Roman, however, he is put to death by Jewish zealots at the beginning of the Jewish rebellion against Rome in 66 AD. The high priest's spokesman is a Jewish lawyer, Tertullus , evidently a Hellenistic Jew, since his name is a common one in the Greek world. He is a skilled orator. He is a Roman of common origins, but elevated because his brother happened to be in the court of Emperor Claudius.

As governor, in a time of increased uprisings among the Jews, he becomes known for his ruthlessness. Roman historian Tacitus AD says about the man: "Antonius Felix, indulging in every kind of barbarity and lust, exercised the power of a king in the spirit of a slave.

The lawyer Tertullus begins his presentation with a flourish of undeserved flattery of the corrupt Felix. Then he lays out the charges. According to Tertullus, Paul is a:. Paul offers a few nice words of his own towards Felix, and then explains the details, denying that he was "arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city" Acts Paul asserts that his accusers can't prove their charge of him being a "troublemaker" charge 1.

Paul admits being "a follower of the Way" charge 2 , but asserts that he is a conscientious Pharisee, was ceremonially clean when he entered the temple, and didn't cause a disturbance charge 3.

Felix puts off any decision until he hears from Lysias, the Jerusalem tribune. Paul is under guard, but not in a dungeon. His food is supplied by Christian friends in Caesarea. Felix, a corrupt governor, isn't interested in justice, but in what will benefit him. So he keeps Paul around, hoping Paul or his friends will come up with a bribe Acts Luke notes that Felix is "well acquainted with the Way. It's entertaining. And Paul uses the opportunity to tell the governor about Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now!

You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you. Felix is uncomfortable when Paul talks about righteousness and judgment. Such talk is not "convenient. Paul's passion for Jesus fascinates him, but he never commits to faith in Christ.

Felix fits Paul's description to Timothy as one who is "always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth" 2 Timothy , ESV. Instead of releasing Paul, as would be just, Felix keeps Paul in prison "to grant a favor to the Jews. Little more. According to Josephus, Festus is a prudent and honorable governor. He succeeds somewhat in ridding the province of the Sicarii, robbers who would descend upon a village, plunder it, set it on fire, and murder whomever they wish.

However, he is governor for only two years, and then is succeeded by a new and hapless governor, Albinus. Soon after Festus arrives as governor of Judea, he spends several days in Jerusalem, where the Jewish leaders present their charges against Paul. They want Paul returned to Jerusalem because, Luke tells us, "they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way" Acts Festus invites the Jewish leaders to Caesarea to present their charges before him officially.

Luke says that they brought "many serious charges against him, which they could not prove" Acts Festus wants to do a favor to the Jews and cement good relations with them, so he asks Paul if he is willing to go to Jerusalem to face the charges -- before Festus, not the Sanhedrin, but in Jerusalem.

Paul is aware of the Jews' plot to ambush him, so he refuses to go to Jerusalem. With Festus wanting to go along with the Jews' request, Paul feels he has no choice. Roman justice in Caesarea has been subverted by the Romans' desire to keep the Jews happy, thus easier to govern. Paul won't find justice here. So he declares:. I appeal to Caesar! Paul now officially invokes his right as a Roman citizen to have his trial before Caesar or Caesar's representative in Rome.

Festus confers with his advisors, and seeing no way to get around Paul's rights and still please the Jews, declares officially, "You have appealed to Caesar.

To Caesar you will go" Acts The Roman procurator is the highest authority in Judea, but he rules through Jewish kings who have been set in place by Rome. Agrippa is the eighth and last king of the Herodian dynasty. A couple of years later, Nero gives him further cities in Galilee and Perea. It is rumored that he has an incestuous relationship with his sister Bernice, who is widowed and lives in his palace. Later, she becomes the mistress of Emperor Titus, creating a scandal in Rome.

Since King Agrippa II has the right to appoint high priests, the Romans consult him on religious matters. In Acts 25, the new governor Festus explains to King Agrippa what happened when he consulted with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. They haven't charged him with any real crimes, he says. Festus isn't sure what to do with him.

King Agrippa II and Bernice express a desire to hear Paul's defense, so Festus welcomes them to help him decide what to write when he sends him on to Rome. Paul addresses King Agrippa directly, acknowledging his acquaintance with Jewish customs and controversies. He identifies himself as a Pharisee and mentions his hope of resurrection verses 7b-8 as one of the reasons he is being accused by the mainly Sadducee Jewish leaders and chief priests.

Then he relates his story -- how he persecuted Christians and how he was converted on the road to Damascus, which we considered in detail in Lesson 1. He tells of the bright light, Jesus' words to him, and his commission to the Gentiles,. To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Paul explains that he has been obedient to Jesus, preaching everywhere that people "should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds" Acts For this, Paul says, the Jews seized me and tried to kill me, but God has helped him.

I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen -- that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.

Paul is stirred as he proclaims the good news of the Messiah to the king and governor and assembled officials. But Festus, the pagan Roman governor, interrupts Paul by shouting:. Your great learning is driving you insane. Though he uses the Greek word mania, Festus isn't making a psychiatric diagnosis.

Paul, the veteran of many dialogs in Jewish synagogues over the years, counters respectfully,. What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him.

I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. So now Paul appeals to the Jewish king himself, questioning him directly about his faith:. I know you do. Notice that King Agrippa uses the word "Christian," which had become a term to describe believers some years before in Antioch Acts The interview is over.

Paul has turned it around to calling both the governor and the king to faith. Rather than continue, they get up and leave. They agree, however, on Paul's legal status:. This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. This raises the question of whether it was really wise for Paul to appeal to Caesar. I think it was necessary. No matter how the governor and king speak in legal niceties, neither of them is a just and righteous man.

Governor Festus and Felix before him use Paul as a political pawn in their quest to maintain peace in Judea by placating the Jews. Nor does King Agrippa defend Paul. They maintain the corrupt status quo. Paul needs to appeal to Caesar to avoid being assassinated by the Jews. I don't think Paul had much choice.

But in it all, God is working out his will that Paul will testify before Caesar in Rome, as the Lord has already revealed to him Acts This might not be the way Paul would have chosen, but it is God's way. I recall Joseph's words to his brothers just after the death of their father Jacob. Of course, Joseph's brothers had sold him into slavery:. No matter what situation you find yourself in, God knows, and God is able to work out his wonderful will as you continue to love and trust him, and seek his purposes rather than your own.

Paul sails to Rome under the watch of a centurion named Julius, part of the Imperial Regiment. He seems to be a legionary centurion with several soldiers under him on the voyage, in charge of Paul and other prisoners headed for Rome.

Bruce notes that the ship they embark on is a "coasting vessel," sailing from port to port along the Mediterranean coast, rather than a sea-going vessel that would venture out into the sea. Paul's ship sails from Caesarea, stops at Sidon, and then goes north of Cyprus, landing at Myra. At the port of Myra in the province of Lycia, the centurion secures passage on "an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy" Acts This ship is part of Rome's state-owned grain fleet, bringing much-needed grain from Egypt to Rome.

Since it is a state-owned enterprise, Julian the centurion is the highest ranked person aboard, and has some say in the voyage. It is late in the season for such a voyage. By now, a strong northwest wind is blowing, making it difficult for them to move west along the coast of Asia Minor. They reach as far the port of Cnidus.

Instead of waiting there for a fair wind, they sail due south to Crete, clearing Solmone, the eastern-most part of Crete present Cape Sidero , and then sail along the lee [] of the island to be sheltered from the strong northwest wind. The first harbor from the wind they find is at Fair Havens, a small bay protected by two islands. They wait for favorable winds, but it becomes clear that they won't be able to complete their voyage to Rome this season.

Paul warns them of impending disaster if they continue, but they don't listen. Fair Havens doesn't provide enough protection for the ship to winter in. The only suitable location in the south of Crete is at Phoenix, the present Loutro Bay. And so the majority decide to sail west along the coast of Crete in an attempt to get to that harbor.

A few miles west of Fair Havens is Cape Matala. Beyond the Cape a ship would have to turn sharply north to maintain its protection from the northwest wind. When they set sail from Fair Havens there seems to have been a gentle breeze, since they are protected by the island, but as soon as they pass Cape Matala, and lose the protection of the nearby shore and cliffs, a hurricane-force wind hits them and drives them away from Crete and safety.

In the lee of the island of Cauda or Clauda, present Gavdos , they are able to pull their lifeboat aboard, and put ropes around the ship's hull to keep it from coming apart. They lower the gear the main mast, or, perhaps, sea anchor , [] fearing that if they are blown along at this rate they will run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis which lie to the west of Cyrene, along the North African coast.

But having done what they can, they are at the mercy of the storm. The next day they begin to throw cargo overboard to lighten the ship, then the tackle. Note: In earlier times this part of the Mediterranean was referred to as the Sea of Adria, Acts You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given [] you the lives of all who sail with you.

Paul shares this with those on board and they are encouraged to take food and prepare for grounding on some island. Luke tells the exciting story of the shipwreck -- soundings showing the water growing shallow, the sailors trying to escape in the lifeboat, and then Paul's encouragement:.

Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head. They believe him and take food. Then they throw the grain -- their most valuable cargo -- overboard, having thrown other cargo overboard weeks before.

The ship strikes a sandbar and begins to break up in the surf. But all souls on board swim or grab onto floating planks and make it to shore. All are saved! They come ashore at "a bay with a sandy beach," on Malta, known today as St. Paul's Bay. They are well-received by the islanders. Paul is bit by a viper believed poisonous by the natives, but when he suffers no ill effects, they begin to think he is a god.