¹⁹ The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar.^(A) I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people.

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

²⁵ I found he had done nothing deserving of death,^(A) but because he made his appeal to the Emperor^(B) I decided to send him to Rome.

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.”^(A)

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,^(A) 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!”^(B)

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

²³ When they hurled their insults at him,^(C) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.^(D) Instead, he entrusted himself^(E) to him who judges justly.^(F)

¹⁹ Do not take revenge,^(A) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a](B) says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.