The Jewish leaders' hatred of Paul remains strong even after two years. Shortly after Festus arrives in the area, they immediately bring their case against Paul. Their intentions remain unchanged: they want Paul to be brought to Jerusalem to kill him (v. 3; cf. 23:12). Festus, who has not yet met or heard from Paul, is wise enough not to comply with their demands. If they have any accusations against Paul, they can come to Caesarea and present their case. Later, Luke mentions that Festus desires to do the Jews a favor (25:9; cf. 24:27), but not at the cost of compromising his position and authority. The ongoing pattern of Gentile protection of Paul against the Jews continues with Festus, as God fulfills his promise to bring his Word to the ends of the earth.

After returning to Caesarea, Festus assumes his role as judge. The Jews present numerous grave accusations against Paul, and yet they fail to provide any evidence (v. 7). As they surround Paul and unleash their false allegations, one can envision him standing calmly amongst them, bearing a profound sense of sorrow (cf. Rom. 9:3). Each unfounded charge they hurl only serves to highlight their rejection of the Messiah and the covenant God they profess to worship. Instead of directly quoting the accusers, Luke provides a concise summary of Paul's response to their case (Acts 25:8). Paul's Jewish adversaries may see an opportunity to exploit his Roman citizenship as a means to discredit him. Rather than pledging his loyalty to Caesar, Paul's devotion lies with Jesus of Nazareth, whom he recognizes as his King and Lord.

Festus's responsibility is maintaining peace, but Paul realizes he is potentially in a dangerous situation. Festus wants to please the Jews but doesn't rule against Paul. Instead, he offers Paul the option to present his case in Jerusalem. However, Paul decides to assert his citizenship. He reminds Festus that he is rightfully present at a Roman tribunal (25:11). Paul shifts the focus back to Festus, emphasizing that he hasn't committed any wrongdoing against the Jews (v. 10). In other words, this is purely a matter under Roman jurisdiction, and Paul is willing to face the consequences if he is found guilty of anything deserving of death according to Roman law.
Paul asserts that if he is innocent concerning the Jews, no one, including Festus, can hand him over to them. Festus must have been completely caught off guard and utterly astonished by Paul's unexpected and astonishing appeal to Caesar. Roman citizens had the right to appeal their cases to the emperor. Although Luke does not mention the Jews' response (undoubtedly, they had objections), he does highlight that the request is enough to compel Festus to step aside and consult with his advisors. When he resumes the proceedings, Festus is likely a mixture of confusion (see 25:26) and, perhaps, temporary relief. As a Roman official, he does what he must: grant Paul's request.

Although Herod Agrippa II, the son of Agrippa I (12:1ff.), does not hold authority over Judea, he still possesses considerable power and influence. Notably, he is well-versed in the customs and controversies of the Jewish people (26:3). When Herod and his sister Bernice arrive in Caesarea, Festus promptly recounts recent events. While Festus may no longer be concerned about the Jews, he deems it necessary to explain sending Paul to the emperor (25:26–27). Festus meticulously presents the case's history, highlighting that he has strictly adhered to protocol (vv. 15–17). Additionally, he emphasizes that Paul's accusers have brought forth unfounded charges, merely engaging in disputes regarding aspects of the Jewish faith and the alleged resurrection of Jesus (v. 19). Festus narrates how Paul declined to go to Jerusalem and instead appealed to Caesar (vv. 20–21). Festus is uncertain about how to handle Paul. He initially tried to pass off the responsibility to the Jews, but Paul stopped that by appealing to Caesar. Festus remains perplexed by Paul's case and seeks assistance from Agrippa. Agrippa seems to possess the same fondness for grandeur and ceremonial displays as his father (which ultimately cost him his life). Distinguished individuals and military personnel gather—the most influential and powerful figures in that region of the empire—and Paul is brought in (v. 23). He stands attentively as Festus recounts the events leading up to this moment (vv. 24–25) and also reveals his true motive for wanting Agrippa to hear the case: Festus is now tasked with sending a prisoner, a Roman citizen who has appealed to Caesar, to the emperor, and he is reluctant to do so without a valid accusation (vv. 26–27).