In the New Testament, the account of Festus explaining Paul's situation to King Agrippa is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 25:13-27. This passage provides insight into the legal and political circumstances surrounding the Apostle Paul's imprisonment and the complexities of Roman governance in Judea.

Context and Background

Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as the Roman governor of Judea around AD 59. Upon assuming office, Festus inherited the unresolved case of Paul, who had been imprisoned in Caesarea for two years. The Jewish leaders had accused Paul of various offenses, but Felix had left him in custody, hoping for a bribe (Acts 24:26-27).

The Arrival of Agrippa and Bernice

King Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the Great, and his sister Bernice visited Festus in Caesarea shortly after Festus took office. Agrippa, being well-versed in Jewish customs and controversies, was an ideal consultant for Festus, who was relatively new to the region and its religious intricacies.

Festus' Explanation to Agrippa

Festus laid out Paul's situation to Agrippa, seeking his counsel. He explained that the Jewish leaders had brought charges against Paul, but these were not the criminal accusations he had anticipated. Instead, they revolved around theological disputes, particularly concerning "a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive" (Acts 25:19).

Festus admitted his perplexity over such matters, as they were outside the realm of Roman law. He recounted how Paul had appealed to Caesar, a right of Roman citizenship, which complicated the situation further. Festus was obliged to send Paul to Rome, but he needed to formulate a clear report of the charges against him, which he found challenging given the nature of the accusations.

Agrippa's Interest

Intrigued by Festus' account, Agrippa expressed a desire to hear from Paul himself. Festus arranged for a hearing the following day, providing an opportunity for Paul to present his defense before Agrippa and Bernice, as well as the prominent men of the city (Acts 25:22-23).

Legal and Theological Implications

Festus' explanation to Agrippa highlights the intersection of Roman legal procedures and Jewish religious disputes. The Roman authorities were often caught between maintaining order and respecting the religious sensibilities of the Jewish population. Festus' handling of Paul's case illustrates the challenges faced by Roman officials in navigating these complex dynamics.

Moreover, the passage underscores the early Christian proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus as a central tenet of faith, which was a point of contention with Jewish authorities. Paul's unwavering testimony about the risen Christ was a pivotal aspect of his defense and mission.

Scriptural Reference

Acts 25:19 : "They had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive."

This account serves as a prelude to Paul's defense before Agrippa, where he would once again articulate his faith and calling as an apostle to the Gentiles, further advancing the spread of the Gospel message.