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

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent^(C) Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things,^(D) 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?”^(E)

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.”^(F)

³⁰ The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice^(G) 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.”^(H)

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