Acts 25:1-12 - Paul Appeals To Caesar

¹ Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went from Cesarea to Jerusalem: ² when the high priest and the chief of the Jews waited upon him with an information against Paul, ³ "desiring the favour he might be sent for to Jerusalem." they having prepar'd measures to assassinate him upon the road. ⁴ Festus answer'd, that Paul was in custody at Cesarea, where he design'd to be himself e'er long: ⁵ the most considerable, said he, among you may go with me, and if he has committed any crime, let 'em begin the process.

⁶ Having staid above eight, nay ten days, he went to Cesarea, and on the morrow mounting the tribunal, he order'd Paul to be brought before him. ⁷ when he appear'd, the Jews, who were come from Jerusalem presented themselves before Festus, and loaded Paul with abundance of accusations, which they were not able to prove. ⁸ to this he answer'd, "I have not been guilty of any misdemeanour, either against the law, or against the temple, or against Cesar."

⁹ but Festus willing to oblige the Jews ask'd him, will you consent to go to Jerusalem, and take your trial before me there?

¹⁰ "I stand, said Paul, to the tribunal of Cesar, where I ought to be judged. to the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself very well know. ¹¹ if I am guilty of any capital crime, I am contented to die. but since their accusations are all groundless, that I may not be sacrificed to their humour, I appeal to Cesar."

¹² upon this, Festus having deliberated with his council, answer'd, "since you have appeal'd to Cesar, to Cesar you shall go."