Festus Asks King Agrippa for Advice

25:13 After several days had passed, King Agrippa48 and Bernice arrived at Caesarea49 to pay their respects50 to Festus.51 25:14 While52 they were staying there many days, Festus53 explained Paul’s case to the king to get his opinion,54 saying, “There is a man left here as a prisoner by Felix. 25:15 When I was in Jerusalem,55 the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed56 me about him,57 asking for a sentence of condemnation58 against him. 25:16 I answered them59 that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone60 before the accused had met his accusers face to face61 and had been given62 an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation.63 25:17 So after they came back here with me,64 I did not postpone the case,65 but the next day I sat66 on the judgment seat67 and ordered the man to be brought. 25:18 When his accusers stood up, they did not charge68 him with any of the evil deeds I had suspected.69 25:19 Rather they had several points of disagreement70 with him about their own religion71 and about a man named Jesus72 who was dead, whom Paul claimed73 to be alive. 25:20 Because I was at a loss74 how I could investigate these matters,75 I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried76 there on these charges.77 25:21 But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of His Majesty the Emperor,78 I ordered him to be kept under guard until I could send him to Caesar.”79 25:22 Agrippa80 said to Festus,81 “I would also like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he replied,82 “you will hear him.”