But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

However Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly.

But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and be judged by me there concerning these things?"

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

Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the King and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus.

As they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;

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, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and principal men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

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

As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are crazy. Your great learning is driving you insane."

But he said, "I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.

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