But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.
Kings usually think sending ambassadors enough, but here Agrippa came himself, personal converse is the sweetest among friends. He visits Festus not to judge Paul but to gratify his curiosity, fulfilling Christ's promise that His followers should be brought before governors and kings for a testimony.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 25:13-27
Augustus is the title given to the Roman emperor, Nero in this case, derived from Octavius, the second emperor, who took it after rejecting his birth name Thurinus as shameful. The name signifies venerable and worshipful, applied to sacred places consecrated by soothsaying. Paul appealed to have his case heard and judged by Caesar himself, and Festus ordered him kept in custody at Caesarea until he could send him to Rome for trial.
AI summary
Augustus is a title of veneration applied first to Caesar Octavianus at our Saviour's birth, then to all his successors, denoting the reverence due to the emperor's rank. Paul's appeal meant he would not be tried in Jerusalem but sent to Rome. Festus kept him in custody until opportunity allowed him to send Paul to Caesar for judgment.
AI summary