Festus

Festus was the successor of Felix as Roman procurator (governor) of Judea (Acts 24:27).

After Festus arrived at Caesarea, he went to Jerusalem and met with the high priests and other Jewish leaders. They informed him of Paul being left in prison after Felix was removed, and wanted Paul brought from Caesarea to Jerusalem so he could be tried before the Jewish Sanhedrin. Their real intent however, was to have Paul killed along the way. But Festus refused and told the Jewish leaders they must meet with Paul in Caesarea.

A few days later, Paul was summoned before Festus, who asked Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem. Paul knowing of the danger on that trip, used his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Rome for trial (Acts 25:11).

Herod Agrippa, with his sister, Bernice, came to Caesarea, at that time to visit Festus. The next day Agrippa, Bernice and Festus had a meeting with Paul, and let Paul speak on his own behalf. After hearing Paul's defense, they said to one another, "This man is doing nothing at all that deserves death or imprisonment." And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar." (Acts 25:1-27; 26:1-32). It was through this conversation between Festus and king Agrippa, that Paul was sent to Rome.

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