¹⁶ “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.^(A)

⁵ Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”

⁶ After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court^(A) and ordered that Paul be brought before him.^(B)

¹⁹ But there are some Jews from the province of Asia,^(A) who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.^(B)

⁶ and even tried to desecrate the temple;^(A) so we seized him. ^{[7] [a] 8} By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”

³⁵ he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers^(A) get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard^(B) in Herod’s palace.

²⁰ He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin^(A) tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him.^(B)

Final Greetings

¹¹ Finally, brothers and sisters,^(A) rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.^(B) And the God of love^(C) and peace^(D) will be with you.

The Plot to Kill Paul

¹² The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy^(A) and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.^(B)