Festus consults king Agrippa 

There’s another plot against Paul’s life. The chief priests and Jewish leaders are trying to convince the new governor, Festus, to transfer Paul back to Jerusalem so that they can kill him while he’s en route.

“Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”.v4-5

When the Jewish leaders do get the chance to make their case in Caesarea, they do so with no evidence. Festus, considering the Jews request and his standing with them, asks Paul if he’s willing to go to Jerusalem to stand trial. Paul refuses and, instead, appeals to Caesar.

Although Paul’s request is granted, Festus is unsure that he even belongs in prison and expresses his confusion to King Agrippa.

“…they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.”v.19

King Agrippa, wanting to hear Paul out for himself, arrives the next day with “ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city” to listen to the servant of Christ speak.