Final answer:
The first person to hear Paul's defense in Caesarea was the proconsul, who questioned Paul about his teachings and ordered that he be detained until a more thorough hearing could take place.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first person to hear Paul's defense in Caesarea was the proconsul. In the narrative, when Paul is brought before the tribunal, the proconsul asks him to explain his teachings, as there have been serious charges made against him. Paul makes a defense of his mission, declaring that he teaches of a living God and the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, Paul is ordered to be bound and sent to prison until the proconsul can hear him more attentively at a later time.