²⁴At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” ²⁵But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety. ²⁶For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. ²⁷King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” ²⁸Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?” ²⁹“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.” ³⁰Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. ³¹On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” ³²And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”