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Acts 25:1-27 open_in_new
The Jews besought Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem for trial. This, however, he refused to do. When arraigned before him, Paul again made use of his rights as a Roman citizen, and definitely appealed to Caesar.
In order to send him to Rome it was necessary that Festus should have a definite charge to prefer against Paul, and it was in order to secure this that he took advantage of the visit of Agrippa to have Paul brought before him. The occasion was made a special one, and the gathering was an impressive one. The leaders attended in full state, surrounded by the military authorities, and all the light and leading of the city. Agrippa was well known for his learning, and for an aesthetic side to his nature. On the other hand, Bernice, who was with him at the time, was his sister, with whom, even at the moment, he was living in incestuous relationship. Paul was called on to tell his story in order that Festus might base a report on it to Rome.