Acts 25:13-27 ▼

13 Some days later, King A-grip’pa and Ber-ni’ce came down to Cæs-a-re’a to greet Festus.

14 And when they had been with him several days, Festus related Paul’s case to the king, saying, There is a certain prisoner left by Felix:

15 And when I was in Jerusalem, the high priests and the elders of the Jews informed me about him, and asked to have judgment against him.

16 I told them, It is not the Roman custom to give up a man to be slain, until his accusers come and accuse him face to face, and give him a chance to defend himself against the charges.

17 So when I arrived here, the following day, without any delay, I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought before me.

18 When his accusers stood up with him, they were unable to prove, as I had expected, any serious charges against him.

19 But they had certain grievances against him relative to their own worship and to one named Jesus, now dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

20 And because I was not well acquainted with their controversy, I said to Paul. Would you be willing to go to Jerusalem, and there be tried of these matters?

21 But he appealed to be kept as a prisoner for a trial before Cæ’sar. I accordingly commanded him to be kept in custody till I might send him to Cæ’sar.

22 Then A-grip’pa said to Festus, I would like to hear this man myself; and Festus replied, Tomorrow, you shall hear him.

23 The next day A-grip’pa and Ber-ni’ce came with great pomp, and entered into the court house, accompanied by the chief captains and principal men of the city. Festus commanded and Paul was brought in.

24 Then Festus said, King A-grip’pa and all men who are here present with us, against this man whom you see, all the Jewish people have complained to me both at Jerusalem and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

25 But when I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and because he himself had appealed to be kept in custody for a trial before Cæsar, I commanded to send him.

26 But I do not know what to write Caesar concerning him, therefore I was pleased to bring him before you, and especially before you, O King A-grip’pa, so that when he is questioned, I may find somewhat to write.

27 For it is not proper to send a prisoner, without writing down the charges against him.