11 If I had done something deserving death, I would not ask to escape the death penalty. But I am not guilty of any of these crimes, and no one has the right to hand me over to these people. I now ask to be tried by the Emperor himself.”
12 After Festus had talked this over with members of his council, he told Paul, “You have asked to be tried by the Emperor, and to the Emperor you will go!”
13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to visit Festus.
14 They had been there for several days, when Festus told the king about the charges against Paul. He said:Felix left a man here in jail,
15 and when I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the Jewish leaders came and asked me to find him guilty.
16 I told them that it isn't the Roman custom to hand a man over to people who are bringing charges against him. He must first have the chance to meet them face to face and to defend himself against their charges.
17 So when they came here with me, I wasted no time. On the very next day I took my place on the judge's bench and ordered him to be brought in.