Acts 26:24–32

²⁴As Paul defended himself in this way, Festus shouted at him, “You are mad, Paul! Your great learning is driving you mad!”

²⁵Paul answered, “I am not mad, Your Excellency! I am speaking the sober truth. ²⁶King Agrippa! I can speak to you with all boldness, because you know about these things. I am sure that you have taken notice of every one of them, for this thing has not happened hidden away in a corner. ²⁷King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do!”

²⁸Agrippa said to Paul, “In this short time do you think you will make me a Christian?”

²⁹“Whether a short time or a long time,” Paul answered, “my prayer to God is that you and all the rest of you who are listening to me today might become what I am—except, of course, for these chains!”

³⁰Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others got up, ³¹and after leaving they said to each other, “This man has not done anything for which he should die or be put in prison.” ³²And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to the Emperor.”