Acts 25

http://www.esvbible.org/Acts+25/

Shortly after Festus comes to power, the Jewish officials urge him to bring Paul to them to be tried in Jerusalem, but God was looking out for Paul and told them that he would return to Caesarea soon to try Paul there, and that if they wanted to, they could go with him to accuse Paul. After a few days, the party went to Caesarea and accused Paul of many serious crimes, but they could not prove them. Festus, however, did not want to upset the Jews, so he told Paul if he really had nothing to hide, he would go with them to Jerusalem to be tried in court there. Christians should not lay down and let their honor in Jesus Christ be marred by untrue accusations, so Paul tells Festus that he is being tried the proper way in the emperor's court and makes an appeal to the emperor, and Festus, after speaking to his advisors, agrees to let Paul make his case before the emperor.

King Agrippa and Bernice arrive in Caesarea to congratulate Festus. When they arrive, the governor tells them about Paul's case and how it came to him. From his end, it looks as if the Jews are arguing about their own religion and a man named Jesus who is dead, but Paul sas has come back to life. Festus is very confused about what is going on since he is not familiar with Christianity. The Jewish officials seek the death penalty, but Festus doesn't think Paul has done anything to deserve that. Instead, Paul appealed his case to the emperor, but Festus doesn't have any charges to send with him to Rome. King Agrippa says he would like to hear Paul. The governor agrees that the idea is wonderful, and that way, Agrippa can form clear accusations.