But when two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Festus then, three days after arriving in the province, went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

Festus answered that Paul was being kept at Caesarea, and that he himself intended to go there shortly.

But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?"

Then when Festus had conferred with his council, he answered, "You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go."

Now when a few days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus.

While they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix;

Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I also would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," he said, "you shall hear him."

So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.

And as he was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad."

But Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth.

And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."