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 the 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 answer them, that's not Roman practice to hand over an accused person

before he had faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.

So when they came together here, I made no delay. The next day I took my seat on the tribunal

and ordered the man to be brought in.

His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes that I suspected.

Instead, they had some issues with him about their own religion and about certain Jesus who had died,

but Paul claimed that he 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.

When Paul appealed that he had to be held in custody for the emperor's decision,

I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.

The word of the Lord, thanks be to God. The Lord is established his throne in heaven.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all my being bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, oh, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. The Lord has established his throne in heaven. 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 rules over all.

Bless the Lord, all you his angels,

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