Background and Context:
The account of Festus consulting King Agrippa is found in the New Testament book of Acts, specifically in Acts 25:13-27. This event occurs during the apostle Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea, where he is held under Roman custody. Paul had been accused by Jewish leaders of causing dissension and defiling the temple, charges that were serious under both Jewish and Roman law. Festus, the Roman governor of Judea, had succeeded Felix and was responsible for adjudicating Paul's case.

Key Figures:
· Porcius Festus: The Roman governor of Judea who succeeded Felix. Festus is depicted as a fair-minded official, yet he is perplexed by the religious nature of the accusations against Paul.
· King Agrippa II: Herod Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the Great, was the king of the territories northeast of Judea. He was well-versed in Jewish customs and laws, making him a valuable consultant for Festus.
· Bernice: The sister of King Agrippa II, who accompanied him during his visit to Festus.

Narrative Summary:
After Festus assumed his role as governor, he traveled to Jerusalem, where Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They requested that Paul be transferred to Jerusalem, intending to ambush and kill him along the way. Festus, however, invited them to Caesarea to present their accusations.

Upon returning to Caesarea, Festus convened a tribunal. The Jewish leaders brought many serious charges against Paul, which they could not substantiate. Paul defended himself, asserting his innocence against any offense to Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar.

Festus, seeking to appease the Jewish leaders, asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem for trial. Paul, aware of the plot against his life, appealed to Caesar, a right he held as a Roman citizen. Festus conferred with his council and agreed to send Paul to Rome.

Consultation with King Agrippa:
Shortly after these events, King Agrippa and Bernice visited Festus in Caesarea. Festus took the opportunity to discuss Paul's case with Agrippa, seeking his insight due to Agrippa's familiarity with Jewish customs. Festus explained the situation, highlighting the lack of evidence against Paul and the peculiar nature of the accusations, which revolved around "a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive" (Acts 25:19).

Festus expressed his dilemma: he found no charge deserving death, yet Paul had appealed to Caesar. Festus needed to send a report to the emperor but was uncertain about what to write. Agrippa expressed interest in hearing from Paul directly, and Festus arranged for a hearing the following day.

Significance:
The consultation between Festus and Agrippa underscores the complexities faced by Roman officials in dealing with Jewish religious matters. It also highlights the providential protection over Paul, as his appeal to Caesar ensured his safe passage to Rome, aligning with God's purpose for him to testify there. This event sets the stage for Paul's defense before Agrippa, where he would boldly proclaim the gospel and his testimony of Christ.

Biblical Text:
Acts 25:23-27 provides the narrative of the consultation and the subsequent hearing before Agrippa, illustrating the legal and political intricacies of Paul's trial and the unfolding of God's plan for his ministry.