But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure Better (with R. V.) "desiring to gain favour with the Jews." Cp. Acts 24:27. Though he had not consented to their request when he was in Jerusalem, he now went some way towards doing so by his question to Paul.

Wilt thou … before me What Festus proposed was equivalent to acquitting the Apostle of any charge which would come under Roman law. He is therefore appealed to on the other accusations. The offences against the law of the Jews and against the Temple must be heard before the Sanhedrin. Would Paul accept an acquittal on one count and submit to a trial before his own people on the rest? And Festus would be present to see that right was done.

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