Many months passed by after Paul's arrival in Rome, before the Jews of Jerusalem appeared in person to present their accusations against the prisoner. They had been repeatedly thwarted in their designs; and now that Paul was to be tried before the highest tribunal of the Roman Empire, they had no desire to risk another defeat. Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa had all declared their belief in his innocence. His enemies could hope for success only in seeking by intrigue to influence the emperor in their favor. Delay would further their object, as it would afford them time to perfect and execute their plans, and so they waited for a while before preferring their charges in person against the apostle.

Der gik mange måneder efter Paulus ankomst til Rom, før jøderne fra Jerusalem kom for personligt at fremføre deres anklager mod fangen. Gentagne gange var de blevet hindret i deres planer og nu, hvor Paulus skulle stilles for det romerske riges øverste domstol, ønskede de ikke at risikere et nyt nederlag. Lysias, Feliks, Festus og Agrippa havde alle givet udtryk for deres tro på hans uskyldighed. Hans fjender kunne kun gøre sig håb om at nå deres mål ved at søge ved rænkespil at påvirke kejseren til gunst for dem selv. Forhaling af tiden ville være til fordel for deres plan, fordi de så kunne vinde tid til at udarbejde og udføre deres forsæt og derfor ventede de en stund, før de personligt fremførte deres anklager mod apostlen.