Porcius Festus is presented to us as a man that was just, honest, and a follower of rules. He was not the power-hungry seeker of personal fame and glory, as was Felix, but rather the man that would hold to the rule book as his complete guide on how to proceed in any situation. There is a certain attractive logic in this approach to life, yet sadly, as Festus now proves, there is no book of human origin that can adequately provide the answers to the vast array of situations that occur in life.
Let us thank God today for His ever precious Word that can, and does, provide this for His people. The nature of the Word of God is that, as a living book, it speaks to the heart and is the voice of the living Christ to His own, every day. We must avoid regarding it as a book of legalistic rules. Such a path will only blind the mind and dull any response to it. It will just become a provider of legal back-up for our opinions, instead of fresh food for our souls, and inspiration for our lives.
Festus was honourable in all his dealings, not allowing even his strong inclination to favour the Jews against Paul to affect his will to do right. However, the course of events was predictable. Having consulted everyone and confessed his own lack of understanding to judge the issue rightly, he is unable to satisfy his high ideals. He takes advantage of King Agrippa’s visit to get some kind of an accusation that would seem to justify sending Paul to Caesar, 25. 25-27.
For once in this whole episode, we now find Festus actively thinking about the issues and not delving into his rule books. As Paul recounts his conversion experience and states his beliefs with conviction, Festus reacts by dismissing it all as insanity, 26. 24.
His one opportunity to open his mind and heart is gone. He cannot rationalise personal dealings with God and so rejects all. It is the mind of a Festus that wants to control God by rules. God is a living God and our experience of Him should be living.
Thy word of pure eternal truth,
Shall yet unshaken stay,
When all that man has thought or planned,
Like chaff has passed away
