²⁴As he was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You’re out of your mind,^t Paul! Too much study is driving you mad.”

²⁵But Paul replied, “I’m not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I’m speaking words of truth and good judgment.^u ²⁶For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak boldly to him. For I am convinced that none of these things has escaped his notice, since this was not done in a corner. ²⁷King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.”

²⁸Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?”^C

²⁹“I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty,^D not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains.”^a

³⁰The king, the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them got up, ³¹and when they had left they talked with each other and said, “This man is not doing anything to deserve death or imprisonment.”^b

³²Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”^c

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Footnotes

COr so quickly
DOr whether a short time or long

Cross references

t 2Kg 9:11; Jn 10:20; 1Co 1:23; 2:14; 4:10
u Ac 23:26; 24:3
a Ac 11:26; 21:33; 1Co 7:7
b Ac 23:9,29; 25:23
c Ac 25:11; 28:18