St. Paul's confinement [in Caesarea] was not harsh. It was the 'custodia libera' described above; and very likely, as afterwards at Rome, he lived in a lodging his own. He would enjoy the society of St. Philip and the Christians of Caesarea, and his own disciples would quickly gather round. St. Luke and Aristarchus were at his side, sharing in some way his captivity. Further, communication with his churches of Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia, would be opened. Indeed, there is some ground for supposing that the Epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, were written from the apostle's prison- not at Rome but- at Caesarea. It is almost certain that he must have written during this period to the churches 'in Asia'- and who so fitting a messenger as Tychicus, who had come up with him from Jerusalem? He must also have been counting on restoration to liberty as soon as Felix would hear his case. Nevertheless, though some circumstances would suit Caesarea very well, the general situation implied in the letters, together with their style and theology, has decided most critics in favour of the Roman imprisonment.
from page 450, The Acts of the Apostles
from page 450, The Acts of the Apostles