Acts 25:18-22 18When the accusers stood up concerning him , they brought no charge of such evils as I suspected. 19But they had certain arguments with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead but whom Paul claimed to be alive. 20And being at a loss about the investigation of these things, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there about these things. 21But 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.” 22Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I want to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”
Governor Festus continued his recounting of Paul’s recent trial with how the Jews’ charges against Paul proved to be only an internal Jewish squabble about resurrection. He was prepared for a significant claim that warranted his intervention and justified Paul’s imprisonment for two years, but heard nothing deserving of the situation. The Jews were out for Paul’s blood, but an internal theological debate was not worthy of it. In a way, Festus’ words placed the blame on Felix for his inept handling of the situation.
In addition, Festus’ own ignorance is evident in his reference to a certain Jesus, which implies he was unfamiliar with the Christian movement. He did not know how to handle the situation. He was no theologian nor aware of significant Jewish debates about the resurrection of the dead. He would need to learn about the different sects in Judaism if he were to survive as governor. The word religion (deisidaimonias) in verse 19 can have the connotation of superstition. It may be that Festus did not have a high regard for religion, especially the Jewish religion, and, as a Roman, may have had some degree of contempt for it.
One thing is clear: Paul continued to preach Jesus’ resurrection as central to his message, even before both Jewish and Gentile officials. His preaching and the Christian message rested on the truth of this claim. Jesus, who was once dead, was alive (verse 19). Festus, as a Roman pagan, could not comprehend how such a thing could happen. Paul likely encountered many people in his travels with the same thinking, but that did not stop him from preaching resurrection hope.
Verses 20-21 give further excuse from Festus about his indecision to set Paul free. Paul was to blame for his own predicament and imprisonment because he appealed to Caesar. Festus was at a loss at what to do. It was a good thing Paul made his appeal, and it was also helpful that Agrippa was there because he could affirm Festus’ decision. When Agrippa heard about Paul and all the trouble about him, he wanted to hear for himself about what Paul claimed. Festus wasted no time and promised Agrippa that he could hear Paul the next day. The short conversation between Festus and Agrippa highlights the ignorance and skepticism people have about the Christian faith and the curiosity they may have that provides an opportunity for witness, which Paul had the following day.