Acts 25 Summary

When Festus arrives in the province, the high priest and chief Jews inform him against Paul, requesting his removal to Jerusalem where they plan to ambush and kill him. Festus orders Paul kept in Caesarea and summons him for hearing, where the Jews lodge many grievous complaints they cannot prove. Paul denies offending Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar, then Festus, seeking Jewish favor, asks if Paul will go to Jerusalem for trial. Paul refuses and appeals to Caesar's judgment seat as his right, declaring the Jews have done him no wrong but that his accusers should face him. Festus consults the council and confirms Paul's appeal to Augustus. When King Agrippa and Bernice visit Caesarea, Festus presents Paul's case, noting his own confusion about charges involving Jewish superstition and one Jesus, whom Paul affirmed was alive. Agrippa requests to hear Paul himself. The next day, with great ceremony, Agrippa and Bernice enter the hearing place with military officers and city leaders, and Festus presents Paul, noting the council seeks his death but Festus found no crime worthy of execution, and that Paul has appealed to Augustus.