Acts 25:1-19 ▼

1 Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went from Cesarea to Jerusalem:

2 when the high priest and the chief of the Jews waited upon him with an information against Paul,

3 "desiring the favour he might be sent for to Jerusalem." they having prepar'd measures to assassinate him upon the road.

4 Festus answer'd, that Paul was in custody at Cesarea, where he design'd to be himself e'er long:

5 the most considerable, said he, among you may go with me, and if he has committed any crime, let 'em begin the process.

6 Having staid above eight, nay ten days, he went to Cesarea, and on the morrow mounting the tribunal, he order'd Paul to be brought before him.

7 when he appear'd, the Jews, who were come from Jerusalem presented themselves before Festus, and loaded Paul with abundance of accusations, which they were not able to prove.

8 to this he answer'd, "I have not been guilty of any misdemeanour, either against the law, or against the temple, or against Cesar."

9 but Festus willing to oblige the Jews ask'd him, will you consent to go to Jerusalem, and take your trial before me there?

10 "I stand, said Paul, to the tribunal of Cesar, where I ought to be judged, to the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself very well know.

11 if I am guilty of any capital crime, I am contented to die, but since their accusations are all groundless, that I may not be sacrificed to their humour, I appeal to Cesar."

12 upon this, Festus having deliberated with his council, answer'd, "since you have appeal'd to Cesar, to Cesar you shall go."

13 Some days after, king Agrippa and Bernice came to Cesarea to make Festus a visit.

14 as they continued there for some time, Festus represented Paul's case to the king: Felix, said he, had left here a certain prisoner:

15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and senators of the Jews made their appearance, and demanded to have justice against him.

16 I told them, it was not the custom of the Romans to deliver up any man, till he was accus'd and confronted by his accusers, and had an opportunity of pleading to the charge.

17 the next day after they were come, to avoid delay, I mounted the tribunal, and order'd the man to be brought.

18 when his accusers appear'd, they did not charge him with any such crimes as I imagined they would.

19 they objected certain articles that related only to their superstition, and to one Jesus that was dead, but Paul asserted he was alive.