Some days later King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea, and paid a visit of congratulation to Festus;

"I should like to hear this man myself," Agrippa said to Festus. "You shall hear him to-morrow," Festus answered.

So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come in full state and had entered the Audience Chamber, with the superior officers and the principal people of the city, by the order of Festus Paul was brought before them.

Then Festus said: "King Agrippa, and all here present, you see before you the man about whom the whole Jewish people have applied to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly asserting that he ought not to be allowed to live.

But I have nothing definite to write about him to my Imperial Master; and for that reason I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examining him, I may have something to write.

Turning to Paul, Agrippa said: "You are at liberty to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.

"I have been congratulating myself, King Agrippa," he said, "that it is before you that I have to make my defense to-day, with regard to all the charges brought against me by Jews,

After that, King Agrippa, I did not fail to obey the heavenly vision;

King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know you do."

But Agrippa said to Paul: "You are soon trying to make a Christian of me!"

And, speaking to Festus, Agrippa added: "The man might have been discharged, if he had not appealed to the Emperor."