Now in those days an edict was issued by the Emperor Augustus that a census of the whole world should be taken.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of the Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was governor of Galilee, and his brother Philip was governor of the territory of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was governor of Abilene,

Because of this Pilate kept on trying to set Him free, but the Jews shouted, "If you set Him free, you are no friend to the emperor. Anyone who claims to be a king is uttering treason against the emperor!"

But they shouted, "Kill Him! Kill Him! Crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Must I crucify your king?" The high priests answered, "We have no king but the emperor!"

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.

All God's people wish to be remembered to you, but more especially the members of the Emperor's household.

For the Lord's sake submit to all human authority; to the emperor as supreme,

Show honor to everyone. Practice love for the brotherhood; practice reverence to God and honor to the Emperor.