The court convenes, verses 23-27.
Verse 23: The next day after the conference with Festus, Agrippa and Bernice convene at the hearing room. Along with them, the chief captains and principal men of the city gather in the place. When all are ready, Festus commands that Paul be brought forth before them. The display doubtless gathered many who were great in their own eyes, to look down on one who was great in God’s eyes.
Verses 24-25: Festus sets the stage by calling on Agrippa and all those present to look on this man that Jews thought “ought not to live any longer.” Though this was a primary Jewish perspective, the governor himself found no cause that he should be put to death. Paul had appealed to Cæsar Augustus, and Festus determined that he would send him there. The man is held in custody not because he is guilty, but because he has appealed to Cæsar.
Verses 26-27: Nevertheless, Festus desires the help of Agrippa in guiding his properly framing the charges against Paul when he sends him to Cæsar. Here Festus confesses (1) his recognition of Paul’s innocence, v. 25; (2) his official embarrassment regarding Paul’s appeal to Cæsar, vs. 26-27; and (3) by implication, his confidence in Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish affairs, v. 26. The appeal required that Paul be sent, and its seemed unreasonable to Festus to “send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.”[1]
[1] Lysias (23:29), Festus (25:25), and Agrippa (26:31) all agree Paul has done nothing worthy of death.
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