A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus.

Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul's case to the king, saying,

There is a man here left in custody by Felix.

When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.

I answered them that it was not the Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.

So when they came together, I made no delay. The next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered that man to be brought in.

His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him

with the day of any of the crimes that I suspected. Instead, they had some issues with him about

their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died, but who Paul claimed was alive. Since I was

at a loss how to investigate this controversy,

I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem

and there stand trial on these charges.

And when Paul appealed that he had been held in custody for the emperor's decision,

I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar. The word of the Lord.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, all my being bless his holy name. Bless the oh my soul and forget not all his benefits the

Lord has established his throne for heaven as for as the heavens are high above the earth so

surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him as far as the east is from the west so far has he

put our transgressions from us.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rule over all.

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