When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”
And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix,
and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.
he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.
So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice,
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