Together, use what you have
by Kathy Matuschka
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After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: ‘You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!’ (Acts 25:12)
Read Acts 24:24–25:12
So, there was an undercurrent to the delays in resolving Paul’s case – we learn that Governor Felix hoped to receive a bribe payment to set Paul free (verse 26). Meanwhile, by keeping Paul in prison, Felix earned ‘brownie points’ with the Jewish leaders. This, in turn, contributed to the safety of Governor Felix and his team as the tension and unrest in the region increased. As a new scene begins, Paul has been under guard in Caesarea for two years …
Exit Governor Felix. Enter Governor Porcius Festus. Enter Jewish leaders who campaign to have Paul moved back to Jerusalem (so they can have another try at ambushing and killing him).
According to the Roman-Jewish historian Josephus, Festus was a good leader who inherited more than one problem from his predecessor. Festus appears to be a ‘get things done’ sort of leader, but the issues he faces are complex.
Festus proposes a solution: that Paul return to Jerusalem and face the Jewish judiciary system. In response, Paul, again, ‘names the thing’: ‘I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well … I appeal to Caesar!’ (verses 10 and 11).
Once more, Paul plays his trump card as a Roman citizen … appealing all the way to the top this time! How different would things have been if Paul didn’t have Roman citizenship? But as it turns out, two men – Festus and Paul – each play their part, contributing what they have to develop a satisfactory solution to a complex problem. Two people achieving together what neither could have achieved alone.
Festus now gets Paul ‘off his books’, which means one less issue with the Jewish leaders. Festus’ conscience and Paul’s safety are no longer threatened by the prospect of a sham trial in Jerusalem. And Paul gets the opportunity to proclaim the gospel in the centre of the Roman Empire, maybe even to Caesar!
Dear God, thank you for creating us to exist in relationships and communities. Thank you for unlikely partnerships that achieve good things for your kingdom. Bless our communities and fill us with a vision for your mission among us. Through your Spirit, unite us to share our gifts, passions and skills for your glory and the common good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Kathy Matuschka and her husband, Mark, live in Brisbane and worship at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale. Kathy continues to discern her ministry calling through her employment as a hospital chaplain and voluntary LCANZ activities. This year, she has contributed to the Way Forward Pastoral Care Working Group as a member.
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