and Jason has welcomed them. They are all acting contrary to the Emperor's decrees, because they claim there is another king, Jesus."

Paul continued to maintain, in his defense, "I have committed no offense against the Jewish law or temple or against the emperor."

But Paul said, "I now am standing before the emperor's court where I ought to be tried. I have done the Jews no wrong, as you very well know.

If I am guilty and have done anything that deserves death, I am not begging to keep from dying, but if there is nothing in the charges which these men make against me, no one can give me up as a favor to them. I appeal to the emperor."

Then Festus, after conferring with the council, answered, "To the emperor you have appealed, to the emperor you shall go!"

But as Paul appealed to have his case kept for his Majesty's decision, I ordered him kept in custody until I could send him up to the emperor."

Agrippa said to Festus, "He might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed to the emperor."

and said, "Stop being afraid, Paul. You must stand before the Emperor; and listen! God has graciously given to you the lives of all who are sailing with you.'

But the Jews objected, so I was forced to appeal to the Emperor; yet it was not because I had any charge to make against my own nation.