Paul Held Awaiting Trial

22 But Felix, because he* understood the facts concerning the Way more accurately, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the military tribune comes down, I will decide ⌊your case⌋.”m 23 He ordered* the centurion for him to be guarded and to have some freedom, and in no way to prevent any of his own peoplen from serving him.

24 And after some days, when* Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him concerning faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And while* he was discussing about righteousness and self control and the judgment that is to come, Felix became afraid and* replied, “Go away for the present, and when I* have an opportunity, I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason also he sent for him as often as possible and* talked with him. 27 And when* two years had passed, Felix received as successor Porcius Festus. And because he* wanted to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul behind ⌊as a prisoner⌋.o

Paul Appeals to Caesar

25 Now when* Festus set foot in the province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the most prominent men of the Jews brought charges against Paul to him, and were urging him, 3 asking for a favor against him, that he summon him to Jerusalem, because they* were preparing an ambush to do away with him along the way. 4 Then Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea, and he himself was about to go there* in a short time. 5 So he said, “Let those among you who are prominent go down with me,* and* if there is any wrong in the man, let them bring charges against him.”

6 And after he* had stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. On the next day he sat down on the judgment seat and* gave orders for Paul to be brought. 7 And when* he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges that they were not able to prove, 8 while* Paul said in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews nor against the temple nor against Caesar have I sinned with reference to anything!” 9 But Festus, because he* wanted to do a favor for the Jews, answered and* said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried before me there concerning these things?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where it is necessary for me to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well. 11 If then I am doing wronga and have done anything deserving death, I am not trying to avoid* dying. But if there is nothing true of the things which these people are accusing me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 Then Festus, after* discussing this* with his* council, replied, “You have appealed to Caesar—to Caesar you will go!”