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Acts 25-26
New King James Version

Paul Appeals to Caesar

25 Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from (A)Caesarea to Jerusalem. 2 (B)Then the [a]high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, 3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—(C)while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. 4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see (D)if there is any fault in him.”

6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. 7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about (E)and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, 8 while he answered for himself, (F)“Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.”

9 But Festus, (G)wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, (H)“Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?”

10 So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. 11 (I)For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. (J)I appeal to Caesar.”

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”

Paul Before Agrippa

13 And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. 14 When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: (K)“There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, 15 (L)about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. 16 (M)To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man [b]to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ 17 Therefore when they had come together, (N)without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I [c]supposed, 19 (O)but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21 But when Paul (P)appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.”

22 Then (Q)Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.”

“Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”

23 So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great [d]pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command (R)Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom (S)the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was (T)not fit to live any longer. 25 But when I found that (U)he had committed nothing deserving of death, (V)and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. 26 I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”

Paul’s Early Life

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.”

So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 “I think myself (W)happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer (X)for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am (Y)accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to (Z)the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 (AA)And now I stand and am judged for the hope of (AB)the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise (AC)our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God (AD)night and day, (AE)hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?

9 (AF)“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things [e]contrary to the name of (AG)Jesus of Nazareth. 10 (AH)This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority (AI)from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 (AJ)And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul Recounts His Conversion(AK)

12 (AL)“While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, (AM)to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will [f]deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, (AN)to whom I [g]now send you, 18 (AO)to open their eyes, in order (AP)to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, (AQ)that they may receive forgiveness of sins and (AR)an inheritance among those who are (AS)sanctified[h] by faith in Me.’

Paul’s Post-Conversion Life

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but (AT)declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do (AU)works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those (AV)which the prophets and (AW)Moses said would come— 23 (AX)that the Christ would suffer, (AY)that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and (AZ)would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

Agrippa Parries Paul’s Challenge

24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, (BA)you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

25 But he said, “I am not [i]mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, (BB)knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

29 And Paul said, (BC)“I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, (BD)“This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”

32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set (BE)free (BF)if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Footnotes

  1. Acts 25:2 NU chief priests
  2. Acts 25:16 NU omits to destruction, although it is implied
  3. Acts 25:18 suspected
  4. Acts 25:23 pageantry
  5. Acts 26:9 against
  6. Acts 26:17 rescue
  7. Acts 26:17 NU, M omit now
  8. Acts 26:18 set apart
  9. Acts 26:25 out of my mind
Close TR1894

ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ 25-26
1894 Scrivener New Testament

25 φηστος ουν επιβας τη επαρχια μετα τρεις ημερας ανεβη εις ιεροσολυμα απο καισαρειας

2 ενεφανισαν δε αυτω ο αρχιερευς και οι πρωτοι των ιουδαιων κατα του παυλου και παρεκαλουν αυτον

3 αιτουμενοι χαριν κατ αυτου οπως μεταπεμψηται αυτον εις ιερουσαλημ ενεδραν ποιουντες ανελειν αυτον κατα την οδον

4 ο μεν ουν φηστος απεκριθη τηρεισθαι τον παυλον εν καισαρεια εαυτον δε μελλειν εν ταχει εκπορευεσθαι

5 οι ουν δυνατοι εν υμιν φησιν συγκαταβαντες ει τι εστιν ατοπον εν τω ανδρι τουτω κατηγορειτωσαν αυτου

6 διατριψας δε εν αυτοις ημερας πλειους η δεκα καταβας εις καισαρειαν τη επαυριον καθισας επι του βηματος εκελευσεν τον παυλον αχθηναι

7 παραγενομενου δε αυτου περιεστησαν οι απο ιεροσολυμων καταβεβηκοτες ιουδαιοι πολλα και βαρεα αιτιαματα φεροντες κατα του παυλου α ουκ ισχυον αποδειξαι

8 απολογουμενου αυτου οτι ουτε εις τον νομον των ιουδαιων ουτε εις το ιερον ουτε εις καισαρα τι ημαρτον

9 ο φηστος δε τοις ιουδαιοις θελων χαριν καταθεσθαι αποκριθεις τω παυλω ειπεν θελεις εις ιεροσολυμα αναβας εκει περι τουτων κρινεσθαι επ εμου

10 ειπεν δε ο παυλος επι του βηματος καισαρος εστως ειμι ου με δει κρινεσθαι ιουδαιους ουδεν ηδικησα ως και συ καλλιον επιγινωσκεις

11 ει μεν γαρ αδικω και αξιον θανατου πεπραχα τι ου παραιτουμαι το αποθανειν ει δε ουδεν εστιν ων ουτοι κατηγορουσιν μου ουδεις με δυναται αυτοις χαρισασθαι καισαρα επικαλουμαι

12 τοτε ο φηστος συλλαλησας μετα του συμβουλιου απεκριθη καισαρα επικεκλησαι επι καισαρα πορευση

13 ημερων δε διαγενομενων τινων αγριππας ο βασιλευς και βερνικη κατηντησαν εις καισαρειαν ασπασομενοι τον φηστον

14 ως δε πλειους ημερας διετριβον εκει ο φηστος τω βασιλει ανεθετο τα κατα τον παυλον λεγων ανηρ τις εστιν καταλελειμμενος υπο φηλικος δεσμιος

15 περι ου γενομενου μου εις ιεροσολυμα ενεφανισαν οι αρχιερεις και οι πρεσβυτεροι των ιουδαιων αιτουμενοι κατ αυτου δικην

16 προς ους απεκριθην οτι ουκ εστιν εθος ρωμαιοις χαριζεσθαι τινα ανθρωπον εις απωλειαν πριν η ο κατηγορουμενος κατα προσωπον εχοι τους κατηγορους τοπον τε απολογιας λαβοι περι του εγκληματος

17 συνελθοντων ουν αυτων ενθαδε αναβολην μηδεμιαν ποιησαμενος τη εξης καθισας επι του βηματος εκελευσα αχθηναι τον ανδρα

18 περι ου σταθεντες οι κατηγοροι ουδεμιαν αιτιαν επεφερον ων υπενοουν εγω

19 ζητηματα δε τινα περι της ιδιας δεισιδαιμονιας ειχον προς αυτον και περι τινος ιησου τεθνηκοτος ον εφασκεν ο παυλος ζην

20 απορουμενος δε εγω εις την περι τουτου ζητησιν ελεγον ει βουλοιτο πορευεσθαι εις ιερουσαλημ κακει κρινεσθαι περι τουτων

21 του δε παυλου επικαλεσαμενου τηρηθηναι αυτον εις την του σεβαστου διαγνωσιν εκελευσα τηρεισθαι αυτον εως ου πεμψω αυτον προς καισαρα

22 αγριππας δε προς τον φηστον εφη εβουλομην και αυτος του ανθρωπου ακουσαι ο δε αυριον φησιν ακουση αυτου

23 τη ουν επαυριον ελθοντος του αγριππα και της βερνικης μετα πολλης φαντασιας και εισελθοντων εις το ακροατηριον συν τε τοις χιλιαρχοις και ανδρασιν τοις κατ εξοχην ουσιν της πολεως και κελευσαντος του φηστου ηχθη ο παυλος

24 και φησιν ο φηστος αγριππα βασιλευ και παντες οι συμπαροντες ημιν ανδρες θεωρειτε τουτον περι ου παν το πληθος των ιουδαιων ενετυχον μοι εν τε ιεροσολυμοις και ενθαδε επιβοωντες μη δειν ζην αυτον μηκετι

25 εγω δε καταλαβομενος μηδεν αξιον θανατου αυτον πεπραχεναι και αυτου δε τουτου επικαλεσαμενου τον σεβαστον εκρινα πεμπειν αυτον

26 περι ου ασφαλες τι γραψαι τω κυριω ουκ εχω διο προηγαγον αυτον εφ υμων και μαλιστα επι σου βασιλευ αγριππα οπως της ανακρισεως γενομενης σχω τι γραψαι

27 αλογον γαρ μοι δοκει πεμποντα δεσμιον μη και τας κατ αυτου αιτιας σημαναι

26 αγριππας δε προς τον παυλον εφη επιτρεπεται σοι υπερ σεαυτου λεγειν τοτε ο παυλος απελογειτο εκτεινας την χειρα

2 περι παντων ων εγκαλουμαι υπο ιουδαιων βασιλευ αγριππα ηγημαι εμαυτον μακαριον μελλων απολογεισθαι επι σου σημερον

3 μαλιστα γνωστην οντα σε ειδως παντων των κατα ιουδαιους εθων τε και ζητηματων διο δεομαι σου μακροθυμως ακουσαι μου

4 την μεν ουν βιωσιν μου την εκ νεοτητος την απ αρχης γενομενην εν τω εθνει μου εν ιεροσολυμοις ισασιν παντες οι ιουδαιοι

5 προγινωσκοντες με ανωθεν εαν θελωσιν μαρτυρειν οτι κατα την ακριβεστατην αιρεσιν της ημετερας θρησκειας εζησα φαρισαιος

6 και νυν επ ελπιδι της προς τους πατερας επαγγελιας γενομενης υπο του θεου εστηκα κρινομενος

7 εις ην το δωδεκαφυλον ημων εν εκτενεια νυκτα και ημεραν λατρευον ελπιζει καταντησαι περι ης ελπιδος εγκαλουμαι βασιλευ αγριππα υπο των ιουδαιων

8 τι απιστον κρινεται παρ υμιν ει ο θεος νεκρους εγειρει

9 εγω μεν ουν εδοξα εμαυτω προς το ονομα ιησου του ναζωραιου δειν πολλα εναντια πραξαι

10 ο και εποιησα εν ιεροσολυμοις και πολλους των αγιων εγω φυλακαις κατεκλεισα την παρα των αρχιερεων εξουσιαν λαβων αναιρουμενων τε αυτων κατηνεγκα ψηφον

11 και κατα πασας τας συναγωγας πολλακις τιμωρων αυτους ηναγκαζον βλασφημειν περισσως τε εμμαινομενος αυτοις εδιωκον εως και εις τας εξω πολεις

12 εν οις και πορευομενος εις την δαμασκον μετ εξουσιας και επιτροπης της παρα των αρχιερεων

13 ημερας μεσης κατα την οδον ειδον βασιλευ ουρανοθεν υπερ την λαμπροτητα του ηλιου περιλαμψαν με φως και τους συν εμοι πορευομενους

14 παντων δε καταπεσοντων ημων εις την γην ηκουσα φωνην λαλουσαν προς με και λεγουσαν τη εβραιδι διαλεκτω σαουλ σαουλ τι με διωκεις σκληρον σοι προς κεντρα λακτιζειν

15 εγω δε ειπον τις ει κυριε ο δε ειπεν εγω ειμι ιησους ον συ διωκεις

16 αλλα αναστηθι και στηθι επι τους ποδας σου εις τουτο γαρ ωφθην σοι προχειρισασθαι σε υπηρετην και μαρτυρα ων τε ειδες ων τε οφθησομαι σοι

17 εξαιρουμενος σε εκ του λαου και των εθνων εις ους νυν σε αποστελλω

18 ανοιξαι οφθαλμους αυτων και επιστρεψαι απο σκοτους εις φως και της εξουσιας του σατανα επι τον θεον του λαβειν αυτους αφεσιν αμαρτιων και κληρον εν τοις ηγιασμενοις πιστει τη εις εμε

19 οθεν βασιλευ αγριππα ουκ εγενομην απειθης τη ουρανιω οπτασια

20 αλλα τοις εν δαμασκω πρωτον και ιεροσολυμοις εις πασαν τε την χωραν της ιουδαιας και τοις εθνεσιν απηγγελλον μετανοειν και επιστρεφειν επι τον θεον αξια της μετανοιας εργα πρασσοντας

21 ενεκα τουτων με οι ιουδαιοι συλλαβομενοι εν τω ιερω επειρωντο διαχειρισασθαι

22 επικουριας ουν τυχων της παρα του θεου αχρι της ημερας ταυτης εστηκα μαρτυρουμενος μικρω τε και μεγαλω ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων τε οι προφηται ελαλησαν μελλοντων γινεσθαι και μωσης

23 ει παθητος ο χριστος ει πρωτος εξ αναστασεως νεκρων φως μελλει καταγγελλειν τω λαω και τοις εθνεσιν

24 ταυτα δε αυτου απολογουμενου ο φηστος μεγαλη τη φωνη εφη μαινη παυλε τα πολλα σε γραμματα εις μανιαν περιτρεπει

25 ο δε ου μαινομαι φησιν κρατιστε φηστε αλλ αληθειας και σωφροσυνης ρηματα αποφθεγγομαι

26 επισταται γαρ περι τουτων ο βασιλευς προς ον και παρρησιαζομενος λαλω λανθανειν γαρ αυτον τι τουτων ου πειθομαι ουδεν ου γαρ εστιν εν γωνια πεπραγμενον τουτο

27 πιστευεις βασιλευ αγριππα τοις προφηταις οιδα οτι πιστευεις

28 ο δε αγριππας προς τον παυλον εφη εν ολιγω με πειθεις χριστιανον γενεσθαι

29 ο δε παυλος ειπεν ευξαιμην αν τω θεω και εν ολιγω και εν πολλω ου μονον σε αλλα και παντας τους ακουοντας μου σημερον γενεσθαι τοιουτους οποιος καγω ειμι παρεκτος των δεσμων τουτων

30 και ταυτα ειποντος αυτου ανεστη ο βασιλευς και ο ηγεμων η τε βερνικη και οι συγκαθημενοι αυτοις

31 και αναχωρησαντες ελαλουν προς αλληλους λεγοντες οτι ουδεν θανατου αξιον η δεσμων πρασσει ο ανθρωπος ουτος

32 αγριππας δε τω φηστω εφη απολελυσθαι εδυνατο ο ανθρωπος ουτος ει μη επεκεκλητο καισαρα

Listen to Acts 25-26
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Acts 25-26
New American Standard Bible

Paul before Festus

25 Festus, then, after arriving in (A)the province, went up to Jerusalem from (B)Caesarea three days later. 2 And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews (C)brought charges against Paul, and they were pleading with [a]Festus, 3 requesting a [b]concession against [c]Paul, that he might [d]have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, (D)setting an ambush to kill him on the way). 4 Festus then (E)answered that Paul (F)was being kept in custody in (G)Caesarea, and that he himself was about to leave shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he *said, “have the influential men among you [e]go there with me, and if there is anything wrong [f]about the man, have them bring charges against him.”

6 After Festus had spent no more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to (H)Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on (I)the tribunal and ordered that Paul be brought. 7 After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing (J)many, and serious, charges against him (K)which they could not prove, 8 while Paul said in his own defense, “(L)I have not done anything wrong either against the Law of the Jews, or against the temple, or against Caesar.” 9 But Festus, (M)wanting to do the Jews a favor, replied to Paul and said, “(N)Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and [g]stand trial before me on these charges?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s (O)tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. 11 If, therefore, I am in the wrong and have committed something deserving death, I am not trying to avoid execution; but if there is nothing to the accusations which these men are bringing against me, no one can hand me over to them. I (P)appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then when Festus had conferred with [h]his council, he answered, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.”

13 Now when several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in (Q)Caesarea, paying their respects to Festus. 14 And while they were spending many days there, Festus presented Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man who was (R)left as a prisoner by Felix; 15 and when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews (S)brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I (T)replied to them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any person before (U)the accused meets his accusers face to face, and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17 So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on (V)the tribunal and ordered that the man be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they did not begin bringing any charges [i]against him of crimes that I suspected, 19 but they simply had some (W)points of disagreement with him about their own [j](X)religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 And (Y)being at a loss how to investigate [k]such matters, I [l]asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these matters. 21 But when Paul (Z)appealed to be held in custody for [m]the Emperor’s decision, I ordered that he be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” 22 Then (AA)Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he *said, “you shall hear him.”

Paul before Agrippa

23 So, on the next day when (AB)Agrippa and (AC)Bernice came amid great pomp and entered the auditorium, [n]accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought before them. 24 And Festus *said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen present with us, you see this man about whom (AD)all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that (AE)he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had committed (AF)nothing deserving death; and since he himself (AG)appealed to [o]the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26 [p]Yet, I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore, I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him as well.”

Paul’s Defense before Agrippa

26 (AH)Now Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul extended his hand and proceeded to make his defense:

2 “Regarding all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, 3 [q]especially because you are an expert in all (AI)customs and [r]questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “So then, all Jews know (AJ)my way of life since my youth, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and in Jerusalem, 5 since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a (AK)Pharisee (AL)according to the strictest (AM)sect of our religion. 6 And now I am standing trial (AN)for the hope of (AO)the promise made by God to our fathers; 7 the promise (AP)to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. For this (AQ)hope, O king, I am being (AR)accused by Jews. 8 Why is it considered incredible among you people (AS)if God raises the dead?

9 “So (AT)I thought to myself that I had to act in strong opposition to (AU)the name of Jesus [s]of Nazareth. 10 And this is [t]just what I (AV)did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the [u]saints in prisons, after (AW)receiving authority from the chief priests, but I also (AX)cast my vote against them when they were being put to death. 11 And (AY)as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was (AZ)extremely enraged at them, I kept pursuing them (BA)even to [v]foreign cities.

12 “[w]While so engaged, (BB)as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, [x]brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who were journeying with me. 14 And when we had (BC)all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the [y](BD)Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? [z]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and (BE)stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to (BF)appoint you as a (BG)servant and (BH)a witness not only to the things in which you have seen Me, but also to the things in which I will appear to you, 17 (BI)rescuing you (BJ)from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to (BK)open their eyes so that they may turn from (BL)darkness to light, and from the [aa]power of (BM)Satan to God, that they may receive (BN)forgiveness of sins and an (BO)inheritance among those who have been sanctified by (BP)faith in Me.’

19 “For that reason, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but continually proclaimed (BQ)to those in Damascus first, and (BR)in Jerusalem, and then all the region of Judea, and even (BS)to the Gentiles, that they are to (BT)repent and turn to God, performing deeds (BU)consistent with repentance. 21 For these reasons some Jews (BV)seized me in the temple and tried (BW)to murder me. 22 So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day (BX)testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what (BY)the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place, 23 as to (BZ)whether the [ab]Christ was [ac]to suffer, and whether, as (CA)first from the resurrection of the dead, He would proclaim (CB)light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

24 While [ad]Paul was stating these things in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! [ae]Your great (CC)learning is [af]driving you insane.” 25 But Paul *said, “I am not insane, (CD)most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with [ag]truthful and rational words. 26 For the king [ah](CE)knows about these matters, and I also speak to him with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a [ai]corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 Agrippa replied to Paul, “[aj]In a short time you are going to persuade me to [ak]make a (CF)Christian of myself.” 29 And Paul said, “I would [al]wish to God that even [am]in a short or long time not only you, but also all who hear me this day would become such as I myself am, except for these (CG)chains.”

30 (CH)The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, 31 and when they had gone out, they began talking to one another, saying, “(CI)This man is not doing anything deserving death or [an]imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been (CJ)set free if he had not (CK)appealed to Caesar.”

Footnotes

  1. Acts 25:2 Lit him
  2. Acts 25:3 Or favor
  3. Acts 25:3 Lit him
  4. Acts 25:3 Lit summon him to Jerusalem
  5. Acts 25:5 Lit go down
  6. Acts 25:5 Lit in
  7. Acts 25:9 Lit be judged
  8. Acts 25:12 A different group from that mentioned in Acts 4:15 and 24:20
  9. Acts 25:18 Lit in regard to him
  10. Acts 25:19 Or superstition
  11. Acts 25:20 Lit these
  12. Acts 25:20 Lit said
  13. Acts 25:21 Lit the Augustus’ (in this case Nero)
  14. Acts 25:23 Lit and with
  15. Acts 25:25 See note v 21
  16. Acts 25:26 Lit About whom I
  17. Acts 26:3 Or because you are especially expert
  18. Acts 26:3 Or controversial issues
  19. Acts 26:9 Or the Nazarene
  20. Acts 26:10 Lit also
  21. Acts 26:10 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  22. Acts 26:11 Or outlying
  23. Acts 26:12 Lit In which things
  24. Acts 26:13 Lit above the brightness of
  25. Acts 26:14 I.e., Jewish Aramaic
  26. Acts 26:14 An idiom referring to an animal’s futile resistance to being prodded with a spiked stick
  27. Acts 26:18 Or dominion
  28. Acts 26:23 I.e., Messiah
  29. Acts 26:23 Lit subject to suffering
  30. Acts 26:24 Lit he
  31. Acts 26:24 Lit The many letters; i.e., education
  32. Acts 26:24 Lit turning you to madness
  33. Acts 26:25 Lit words of truth and rationality
  34. Acts 26:26 Or understands
  35. Acts 26:26 I.e., a hidden or secret place
  36. Acts 26:28 Or With a little
  37. Acts 26:28 Or act as a Christian
  38. Acts 26:29 Or pray to
  39. Acts 26:29 Or with a little or with much
  40. Acts 26:31 Lit bonds
Listen to Acts 25-26
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Acts 25-26
New International Version

Paul’s Trial Before Festus

25 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus(A) went up from Caesarea(B) to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul.(C) 3 They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.(D) 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held(E) at Caesarea,(F) and I myself am going there soon. 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(G) and ordered that Paul be brought before him.(H) 7 When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him,(I) but they could not prove them.(J)

8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple(K) or against Caesar.”

9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor,(L) said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”(M)

10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews,(N) as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”(O)

12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Festus Consults King Agrippa

13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea(P) 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.(Q) 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him(R) 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.(S) 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.(T) 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(U) with him about their own religion(V) 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.(W) 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.”(X)

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

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

Paul Before Agrippa(Z)

23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice(AA) 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(AB) has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.(AC) 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death,(AD) but because he made his appeal to the Emperor(AE) 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.”(AF)

So Paul motioned with his hand(AG) and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you(AH) today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,(AI) 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs(AJ) and controversies.(AK) 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,(AL) from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time(AM) and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect(AN) of our religion, living as a Pharisee.(AO) 6 And now it is because of my hope(AP) in what God has promised our ancestors(AQ) that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes(AR) are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night.(AS) King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.(AT) 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?(AU)

9 “I too was convinced(AV) that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose(AW) the name of Jesus of Nazareth.(AX) 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(AY) in prison,(AZ) and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.(BA) 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished,(BB) and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

12 “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice(BC) saying to me in Aramaic,[a](BD) ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet.(BE) I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.(BF) 17 I will rescue you(BG) from your own people and from the Gentiles.(BH) I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes(BI) and turn them from darkness to light,(BJ) and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins(BK) and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’(BL)

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient(BM) to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus,(BN) then to those in Jerusalem(BO) and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles,(BP) I preached that they should repent(BQ) and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.(BR) 21 That is why some Jews seized me(BS) in the temple courts and tried to kill me.(BT) 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen(BU)— 23 that the Messiah would suffer(BV) and, as the first to rise from the dead,(BW) would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”(BX)

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind,(BY) Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning(BZ) is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent(CA) Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things,(CB) and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”(CC)

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”(CD)

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice(CE) and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”(CF)

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free(CG) if he had not appealed to Caesar.”(CH)

Footnotes

  1. Acts 26:14 Or Hebrew
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