What does Acts 25:22 mean?
As the new governor over a territory that includes the homeland of the Jews, Festus has a steep learning curve. No doubt he has heard of Jews—how they have strict dietary standards and refuse to work on the Sabbath—but he's not familiar with their religion, society, or politics. Still, he wanted to have a good relationship with them, so three days after he arrived in Caesarea Maritima, the capital, he traveled to Jerusalem to meet with the Sanhedrin (Acts 25:1).Two weeks later, Festus was completely confused. The Sanhedrin asked him to bring Paul, a prisoner left by former-governor Felix, to Jerusalem for trial. Festus explained they must meet in Caesarea first. Because he was a Roman citizen Paul could choose where the hearing would be, and he was being held in Caesarea. The Jews came and offered up several serious charges with no witnesses or even evidence. Paul countered by explaining the conflict had nothing to do with the law—Roman or Jewish. It's all because he believes a Jewish man named Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead about 25 years prior (Acts 25:2–8, 19).
When Festus asked Paul if they could move the trial to Jerusalem, Paul appealed the case to Caesar (Acts 25:11). That is good because now Festus can't legally fulfill the Sanhedrin's request. But it is bad because he must send Paul to Caesar with no charges. There's nothing to try (Acts 25:25–27).
So, when King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice arrive to show their regards to Festus, the governor asks for help. Agrippa is the grandson of Herod the Great and son of Agrippa I (Acts 12:1–3, 20–23). He knows the people, the culture, the law, and the religion (Acts 26:3). Festus explains to Agrippa what he's up against, and Agrippa agrees to hear Paul.
The next day, Festus invites Agrippa, Bernice, and the leaders of Caesarea (Acts 25:23). Paul describes how he converted from a persecutor of the church into its most active missionary—all because he is certain Jesus rose from the dead. Festus and Agrippa are more convinced than ever before: Paul may be eccentric, but he's not a criminal. If they had heard his story before the hearing with the Sanhedrin—before he appealed to Caesar—they would have let him go (Acts 26).
