ROMANS, EPISTLE TO THE.
In the spring of 5G he left Corinth for Jeru salem with quite a company. who doubtle:s rep resented the churches that had been engaged in gathering a contribution for the Mother Church (Acts xx. 4. See also 1. Cor. xvi. 1-4: Il. Cor. viii.-ix.). After a journey which was accom panied by some incidents of a foreboding nature, to all of which Paul's mind seemed resignedly receptive, he reached Jerusalem (Acts xx. 3 xxi. 15). His reception by the brethren of the Church was full of Christian fellowship: at the same time it was clear that the leaders were deeply impressed by the growing alienation from Paul among the believing Jews. As a conse quence they suggested that he carry out in the temple a certain of ceremonial observance designed to show his respect for the Law of Moses, and to disprove the charge that he every where urged its abandonment by the Christian Jews. This he willingly did; lint his action was so misunderstood and the motive for it so mis construed as to rouse against him a riotous dem onstration on the part of the Jews in generaLthat would have ended his life but for the rescue of his person effected by the soldiers of the adjoin ing Roman garrison (Acts xxi. 17-321.
It is clear from this incident, as pre.•ented in the passage cited, that the head and front of Paul's offending in the eyes of the Jews was not so much his heralding of the \lessiahship of Jesus as his denial of the continued obligation of the Mosaic Law. This is instructive as to the large significance of the controversy which en sued upon liis first mic.(on journey spite of the wise action of the Jerusalem Council, wrought itself into the Galatian and to a certain degree into the Corinthian churches. Paul's Position as to the absolute essentiality of the principle of justification by faith alone appar ently went to the heart of the whole problem of salvation as it was present before the early Church.
Baying found it impossible to secure from the excited mob any idea of the offense of which his prisoner was guilty, and Paul himself his rights of Roman citizenship. the chief cap tain of the guard. Claudius Lysias, summoned a council of the Sanhedrin and brought Paul before it for examination (Aets xxi. 33-xxii. 30). This 4athering. however, resulting in nothing but dis order among the members of the court. and, infor mation having been brought of a desperate plot against Paul's life by a secret band of Jews, Claudius Lysias sent him away by night under healy guard to with letters to Felix, Governor of the Province of Syria, whose official residence was at that place (Acts xxiii.).
Paul's stay at Cm-area, which lasted some two practically a continued commitment for trial. Ile appeared before Felix soon after his arrival at Caesarea and pleaded his cause against the High Priest Ananias and certain of the elders Irmo -Jerusalem. who were aceompa nb.d by counsel. But, though the prosecution failed to make out their ease. no decision was reached by the Governor (Acts xxiv. 1-23). Later Paul was summoned before Felix and his wife to speak "concerning the faith in Jesus C heist." but, though the Apostle "reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come" in such a way as to make a terrifying im pression upon Felix, the fear was wholly tran sient: for Paul was returned again to prison, where Felix kept him through the remainder of his term of office, arranging frequent hearings from him and interviews with him, in hope of seeuring from the Apostle a bribe for his release. Finally, in order to please the -Jews, he handed him over bound to his successor, Festus (Acts xxiv. 24-27).
Before Festus Paul appeared but once, being again confronted with hi, accusers from .lernsa 1,-ni, who as before failed to make out a ease against him. When, however, the Governor seemed about to follow in his predecessor's steps and ignore the evidence presented, suggesting that Paul go up to -Jerusalem for another trial, the Apostle, on the ha-is of his rights of citizen ship, transferred the case to Rome by appealing tm Ca-sar. Such action left the Governor no fur ther choice, though he took the opportunity of Agrippa'- presence in Cfesarea to bring Paul once more into court, and to have his ease heard by his royal victor (Acts xxv.). In his defense, the Apostle presented before Agrippa the course of his life and the grounds of his Christian hope, persuading the King. as he had in fact both Governors, that there was no reason for his being retained in bonds (Acts xxvi. 1-31). Beyond suet, personal impressions, however, his plea was of no use. -ince his appeal to the Emperor made transportation to Rome obligatory upon the authorities (Acts xxvi. 32).