But after the lapse of fully two years Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and being desirous of gratifying the Jews, Felix left Paul still in prison.

Festus, having entered on his duties as governor of the province, two days later went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Festus, however, replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, and that he was himself going there very soon.

Then Festus, being anxious to gratify the Jews, asked Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and there stand your trial before me on these charges?"

Then, after conferring with the Council, Festus replied, "To Caesar you have appealed: to Caesar you shall go."

A short time after this, Agrippa the king and Bernice came to Caesarea to pay a complimentary visit to Festus;

and, during their rather long stay, Festus laid Paul's case before the king. "There is a man here," he said, "whom Felix left a prisoner,

"I should like to hear the man myself," said Agrippa. "to-morrow," replied Festus, "you shall." Accordingly, the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came in state

and took their seats in the Judgement Hall, attended by the Tribunes and the men of high rank in the city; and, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

Then Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see here the man about whom the whole nation of the Jews made suit to me, both in Jerusalem and here, crying out that he ought not to live any longer.

As Paul thus made his defence, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, "You are raving mad, Paul; and great learning is driving you mad."

"I am not mad, most noble Festus," replied Paul; "I am speaking words of sober truth.

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