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Observe here, 1. The equity and justice of Festus, an heathen judge, in his proceedings at St. Paul's trial: he will have the high-priest and elders that accused him, speak to his face; he will have the matter examined by and before himself. When the malicious bring the innocent upon their trial, God will provide a judge for their turn.
Observe, 2. The indictment or charge which the Jews brought in against the apostle, That he had offended against the law, profaned the temple, and raised sedition against the Roman government.
Here we find the devil at his own trade; namely, stirring up the rage and malice of the world against the saints of God, under a pretence of their being enemies to the state, and subverters of civil government.
Observe, 3. That to be loaded with calumnies and reproaches has been the common lot and constant portion of the friends and servants of Christ, from the beginning of Christianity; The Jews laid many and grievous things against Paul, which they could not prove.
Reproach has been the reward of religion and righteousness: but St. Paul easily wipes off the several reproaches cast upon him, affirming himself to have been always a religious observer of the law, that he went into the temple upon a religious account, and that he had never taught nor practised any rebellion against Cesar. The servants of Christ are happy in their own innocency, and their adversaries render themselves odious by belying them, and laying that to their charge which every one can disprove.