Paul has an audience with the new Roman governor Festus, Jewish king Agrippa and princess Bernice. Paul gives a passionate retelling of his experience as first a Pharisee, determined to wipe out the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, his conversion and new conviction and ministry to “proclaim light to both our people and the Gentiles.”

The governor says that all of his learning has driven Paul out of his mind. Paul rebuts that his words are true and rational, and appeals directly to the king. The king asks Paul if he would convert him to Christianity in so short a time. And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

They agree amongst themselves that Paul has done nothing to deserve imprisonment. The king tells Festus he could have freed Paul had he not appealed to Caesar. 

It may help to be reminded that King Herod Agrippa II is the grandson of Herod the Great who rebuilt the Temple and tried to kill Jesus as a baby. He is also the son of Herod Agrippa I who killed John the Baptist, contributed to the crucifixion of Christ and executed James before his own untimely demise. This king seems to take Paul’s words to heart, although he doesn’t intercede in his behalf. If Jesus was the rightful heir to the Jewish throne, then it makes the Herods and their lineage obsolete. Under Roman occupation, they are already at end of their dynasty. Bernice would later become the mistress of the Emperor’s son Titus, playing out their last bit of influence.

Paul is determined to follow his path of controversy all the way to Rome. If he were freed, he’d have no guaranteed audience, so he willingly stays in chains.