| 24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul\'s defense. \"You are out of your mind, Paul!\" he shouted. \"Your great learning is driving you insane.\"
25 \"I am not insane, most excellent Festus,\" Paul replied. \"What I am saying is true and reasonable.
26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.\"
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, \"Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?\"
29 Paul replied, \"Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.\"
30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them.
31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, \"This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.\"
32 Agrippa said to Festus, \"This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.\"
| |
