Caesarea

There were at least two cities named Caesarea in the first century A.D. One was located near the springs that fed the Jordan river and was visited by Jesus and his disciples (Matthew 16:13). The other, called Caesarea Maritima, is located on the shores of the Mediterranean sea. It is the place where the apostle Paul was left in prison for two years. This city was also the place where a Roman Centurion named Cornelius became the first non-Jewish convert to Christianity (Acts 10).

Caesarea Maritima was built around 25 to 13 B.C. and named by Herod the Great in honor of Roman emperor Caesar Augustus. Jewish historian Josephus wrote about the building and completion of the city. In 13 B.C. Caesarea became the Roman civilian and military capital of Judea and the official residence of Roman procurators (governors) such as Pontius Pilate and Antonius Felix.

At the end of his third journey the apostle Paul travels to Jerusalem. After arriving in the city he goes to the temple with four Jewish converts (Acts 21:23-26). Jews from Asia, assuming he brought Gentiles into a Temple area where they were not allowed, cause a riot. Roman troops soon arrive and save him from a certain death. He is then taken prisoner and escorted out of the city to Caesarea by Roman soldiers. It is in Caesarea where Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, will hear the case against Paul made by the Jews.

The Jews, before Felix, accuse apostle Paul of various crimes which they cannot prove (Acts 25:7). Governor Felix, in spite of his innocence, keeps Paul a prisoner in the hope that a BRIBE will be offered to secure his release (Acts 24:26-27). To facilitate the possibility of a bribe Felix gives him liberties such as not being bound and the right to have people visit him or provide for his needs. A bribe, however, never comes. Paul is kept a prisoner under Felix from early Summer 58 A.D. to early Autumn 60 A.D. until Festus is named the new governor.

It is before Festus that Paul, as a Roman citizen, requests that his case be heard by Caesar himself. His request is granted and he is taken to Rome by a Centurion. His travel to Rome is considered his fourth missionary journey.