23. They said that the Messiah would die and be the first to rise from death. They said that he would bring the light of God’s saving truth to the Jewish people and to the non-Jewish people.”
24. While Paul was still defending himself, Festus shouted, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Too much study has made you crazy.”
25. Paul said, “Most Honorable Festus, I am not crazy. What I am saying is true. It all makes perfect sense.
26. King Agrippa knows about all this, and I can speak freely to him. I know that he has heard about these things, because they happened where everyone could see them.
27. King Agrippa, do you believe what the prophets wrote? I know you believe!”
28. King Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think you can persuade me to become a ‘Christ-follower’ so easily?”
29. Paul said, “It is not important if it is easy or if it is hard. I pray to God that not only you but that everyone listening to me today could be saved and be just like me—except for these chains I have!”
30. King Agrippa, Governor Festus, Bernice, and all the people sitting with them stood up
31. and left the room. They were talking to each other. They said, “This man has done nothing worthy of being put to death or even put in jail.”