15
When I went to Jerusalem, the leading priests and the older Jewish leaders there made charges against him, asking me to sentence him to death.
16
But I answered, 'When a man is accused of a crime, Romans do not hand him over until he has been allowed to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.'
17
So when these Jews came here to Caesarea for the trial, I did not waste time. The next day I sat on the judge's seat and commanded that the man be brought in.
18
The Jews stood up and accused him, but not of any serious crime as I thought they would.
19
The things they said were about their own religion and about a man named Jesus who died. But Paul said that he is still alive.
20
Not knowing how to find out about these questions, I asked Paul, 'Do you want to go to Jerusalem and be judged there?'
21
But he asked to be kept in Caesarea. He wants a decision from the emperor. So I ordered that he be held until I could send him to Caesar."
22
Agrippa said to Festus, "I would also like to hear this man myself." Festus said, "Tomorrow you will hear him."
23
The next day Agrippa and Bernice appeared with great show, acting like very important people. They went into the judgment room with the army leaders and the important men of Caesarea. Then Festus ordered the soldiers to bring Paul in.
24
Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are gathered here with us, you see this man. All the Jewish people, here and in Jerusalem, have complained to me about him, shouting that he should not live any longer.
25
When I judged him, I found no reason to order his death. But since he asked to be judged by Caesar, I decided to send him.