Agrippa

After some days, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.

Agrippa said to Festus, “I myself have been wanting to hear the man.” “Tomorrow,” he replied, “You will hear him.”

So the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with much pageantry; they entered the audience room accompanied by military commanders and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Sha’ul was brought in.

Festus said, “King Agrippa and all of you here with us, do you see this man? The whole Judean community has complained to me about him both in Yerushalayim and here, crying that he shouldn’t be allowed to remain alive.

However, I have nothing specific to write to His Majesty about him. This is why I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa — so that after we have examined him, I might have something to write.

Agrippa said to Sha’ul, “You have permission to speak on your own behalf.” Then Sha’ul motioned with his hand and began his defense:

“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that it is before you today that I am defending myself against all the charges made against me by Jews,

It is the fulfillment of this very promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they resolutely carry on their acts of worship night and day; yet it is in connection with this hope, your Majesty, that I am being accused by Jews!

“So, King Agrippa, I did not disobey the vision from heaven!

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe!”

Agrippa said to Sha’ul, “In this short time, you’re trying to convince me to become Messianic?”

And Agrippa said to Festus, “If he hadn’t appealed to the Emperor, he could have been released.”