Acts 25:13-26:11

New International Version

Festus Consults King Agrippa

¹³ A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea^(A) to pay their respects to Festus. ¹⁴ Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner.^{(B) 15} When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him^(C) and asked that he be condemned.

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.^{(D) 17} When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in.^{(E) 18} When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. ¹⁹ Instead, they had some points of dispute^(F) with him about their own religion^(G) and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. ²⁰ I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.^{(H) 21} But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”^(I)

²² Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”^(J)

Paul Before Agrippa^(K)

²³ The next day Agrippa and Bernice^(L) came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. ²⁴ Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community^(M) has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.^{(N) 25} I found he had done nothing deserving of death,^(O) but because he made his appeal to the Emperor^(P) I decided to send him to Rome. ²⁶ But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. ²⁷ For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”^(Q)

So Paul motioned with his hand^(R) and began his defense: ² “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you^(S) today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,^{(T) 3} and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs^(U) and controversies.^(V) Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

⁴ “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child,^(W) from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. ⁵ They have known me for a long time^(X) and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect^(Y) of our religion, living as a Pharisee.^{(Z) 6} And now it is because of my hope^(AA) in what God has promised our ancestors^(AB) that I am on trial today. ⁷ This is the promise our twelve tribes^(AC) are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night.^(AD) King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.^{(AE) 8} Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?^(AF)

⁹ “I too was convinced^(AG) that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose^(AH) the name of Jesus of Nazareth.^{(AI) 10} And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people^(AJ) in prison,^(AK) and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.^{(AL) 11} Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished,^(AM) and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.