And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: (31) And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. (32) Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
The great end the Lord the Spirit had appointed by this meeting, being now accomplished, (I pray the Reader not to lose sight of this), the business is over. The several hearers have now heard for their life, or death. Paul's sermon will at the last day be again brought forward, as the ministration of mercy or condemnation. The one class of mercy for the blessed opportunity, Hebrews 10:39. The other of condemnation, Psalms 1:6
And now the assembly is broken up, the congregation separate, and the prisoner is sent back to his prison. He might have been set at liberty, said Agrippa, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. No, Agrippa! that must not be, for the Lord had shewed his servant, that he must bear witness also at Rome, Acts 23:11. How little and contemptible would this whole assembly have appeared, even in their own eyes, amidst all their pomp and splendor, could they but have seen the parts they were then made to act for the divine glory. They were to hear for their own condemnation, if not made the savor of life unto life; and they were to prepare for the sending the Lord's messenger and witness to Rome. Howbeit, (said the Lord of a similar character of old), he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so, Isaiah 10:5-7. It is truly blessed to a child of God, to trace the Lord's hand in all the Lord's appointments. My counsel shall stand, saith the Lord, and I will do all my pleasure, Isaiah 46:10.