025:003 asking it as a favour, to Paul's prejudice—to have him brought to Jerusalem. They were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.
025:004 Festus, however, replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, and that he was himself going there very soon.
025:005 "Therefore let those of you," he said, "who can come,
go down with me, and impeach the man, if there is anything
amiss in him."
025:006 After a stay of eight or ten days in Jerusalem—not more—
he went down to Caesarea; and the next day, taking his seat
on the tribunal, he ordered Paul to be brought in.
025:007 Upon Paul's arrival, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem
stood round him, and brought many grave charges against him
which they were unable to substantiate.
025:008 But, in reply, Paul said, "Neither against the Jewish Law,
nor against the Temple, nor against Caesar, have I committed
any offence whatever."
025:009 Then Festus, being anxious to gratify the Jews, asked Paul, "Are you
willing to go up to Jerusalem, and there stand your trial
before me on these charges?"
025:010 "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal," replied Paul, "where alone I ought to be tried. The Jews have no real ground of complaint against me, as in fact you yourself are beginning to see more clearly.
025:011 If, however, I have done wrong and have committed any offence for which I deserve to die, I do not ask to be excused that penalty. But if there is no truth in what these men allege against me, no one has the right to give me up to them as a favour. I appeal to Caesar."
025:012 Then, after conferring with the Council, Festus replied,
"To Caesar you have appealed: to Caesar you shall go."