But when two years were ended, Felix had Portius Festus appointed for his successor: and willing to curry favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in chains.

WHEN Festus then was come into the province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

Then Festus answered, that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was going thither shortly.

Then Festus, desirous of ingratiating himself with the Jews, replying to Paul, said, Wilt thou go up unto Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, after conferring with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed to Caesar? to Caesar shalt thou go.

Now when some days were passed, Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to salute Festus.

And as their stay there was extended to a considerable time, Festus communicated to the king Paul's affairs, saying, There is a certain man left by Felix, a prisoner:

Then Agrippa said to Festus, I wish also myself to hear the man. He said, To-morrow thou shalt hear him.

On the morrow therefore, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with a very splendid retinue, and were entered into the place of audience, with the military tribunes, and the men of superior eminence in the city, then at the order of Festus Paul was produced.

And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all you, sirs, who are present with us, behold the man, concerning whom the whole multitude of the Jews have set upon me, both at Jerusalem and in this place, clamouring that he ought not to live a moment longer.

As thus he was proceeding in his defence, Festus with a loud voice said, Paul, thou art raving; much reading hath driven thee to madness.

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but utter words of truth and sobriety.

And Agrippa said to Festus, This man might have been discharged, if he had not appealed to Caesar.