The Great Escape

Acts 24:27

After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and since he wanted to grant the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

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And the County Judge who held a grudge
will search forevermore
for the band on the run.
Band on the run

"Band on the Run" by Paul McCartney

Paul was imprisoned for raising a ruckus with the leaders of the temple. Acts 23 puts it this way, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead." Paul was imprisoned because he was preaching the resurrection in the temple and as it was some years earlier, the Pharisees were having nothing to do with it.

The Pharisees conspired to have Paul killed. Nothing as elaborate as the scam that killed Jesus, the time for subtlety was done. They wanted this quick and simple. But with Paul, again a man smarter than the run of the mill Pharisee, he made use of everything at his command. This time he made use of his Roman Citizenship. He demanded to be tried by Rome instead of by the locals. If the temple leadership had been connected to any Roman Citizen's death, there would be Rome to pay.

So Felix, the local leader kept Paul in jail, but that's not the only reason why. Felix's wife was Jewish, so if Paul was killed under his care Felix would have an angry wife. Felix also enjoyed speaking with Paul, even though Paul frightened him; not unlike the case of John the Baptist. Also, Felix was hoping for some bribe money.

So this county judge held a grudge, and held Paul in prison.

Still, all this time, Paul's faith was not shaken. This is because Jesus was not shaken. We are tossed and turned by the strong and the powerful, but when we remain with the one who is stronger and more powerful, we will be tossed, but we will not be forsaken.

The other Paul was on the run for other reasons.