²⁴While Paul was still speaking up for himself, Festus interrupted. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you crazy!”

²⁵“I am not crazy, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶The king is familiar with these things. So I can speak openly to him. I am certain he knows everything that has been going on. After all, it was not done in secret. ²⁷King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

²⁸Then Agrippa spoke to Paul. “Are you trying to talk me into becoming a Christian?” he said. “Do you think you can do that in such a short time?”

²⁹Paul replied, “I don’t care if it takes a short time or a long time. I pray to God for you and all who are listening to me today. I pray that you may become like me, except for these chains.”

³⁰The king stood up. The governor and Bernice and those sitting with them stood up too. ³¹They left the room and began to talk with one another. “Why should this man die or be put in prison?” they said. “He has done nothing worthy of that!”

³²Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free. But he has made an appeal to Caesar.”

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