Φῆστος

After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,

But Festus replied, “Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.

But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?”

Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.

Since they were staying several days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king: “There is a certain man whom Felix left in prison.

Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” “Tomorrow you will hear him,” Festus declared.

The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.

Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought not to live any longer.

At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”

But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.

And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”