Acts 26:23-32

²³how the Messiah had to suffer, and that by being the first to rise from the dead he would announce the light of God's salvation to both Jews and foreigners.”

²⁴Festus interrupted Paul as he made his defense, shouting out, “Paul, you've gone mad! All your knowledge is driving you insane!”

²⁵“I'm not mad, Festus your Excellency,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and makes sense.

²⁶The king recognizes this, and I'm explaining it very clearly. I am sure that he is aware of what's been happening, because none of this took place as if it were hidden in a corner.

²⁷King Agrippa, do you believe what the prophets said? I'm sure you do!”

²⁸“Do you think you can convince me to become a Christian so quickly?” Agrippa asked Paul.

²⁹“Whether it takes a short time or a long time doesn't matter,” Paul answered. “But my prayer to God is that not just you, but everybody listening to me today would become like me—except for these chains!”

³⁰The king stood up, along with the governor and Bernice, and everyone who had been sitting with them.

³¹They conferred together after they had left. “This man hasn't done anything that deserves death or imprisonment,” they concluded.

³²Agrippa told Festus, “He could have been freed if he hadn't appealed to Caesar.”