22. But all this time God has helped me, and I have preached both to the rich and to the poor. I have told them only what the prophets and Moses said would happen.
23. I told them how the Messiah would suffer and be the first to be raised from death, so that he could bring light to his own people and to the Gentiles.
24. Before Paul finished defending himself, Festus shouted, “Paul, you're mad! Too much learning has driven you out of your mind.”
25. But Paul replied, “Honourable Festus, I am not mad. What I am saying is true, and it makes sense.
26. None of these things happened off in a corner somewhere. I am sure that King Agrippa knows what I am talking about. That's why I can speak so plainly to him.”
27. Then Paul said to Agrippa, “Do you believe what the prophets said? I know you do.”
28. Agrippa asked Paul, “In such a short time do you think you can talk me into being a Christian?”
29. Paul answered, “Whether it takes a short time or a long time, I wish you and everyone else who hears me today would become just like me! Except, of course, for these chains.”
30. Then King Agrippa, Governor Festus, Bernice, and everyone who was with them got up.
31. But before they left, they said, “This man isn't guilty of anything. He doesn't deserve to die or to be put in jail.”
32. Agrippa told Festus, “Paul could have been set free, if he had not asked to be tried by the Roman Emperor.”