Porcius Festus, a Roman procurator of Judea, took office around 59 C.E. when Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea. In Acts 25:1-12, Festus hears Paul’s case and is intrigued. Convinced of Paul’s innocence yet also wanting to patronize the members of the Judean Jewish leadership, Festus offers a retrial in Jerusalem, but this plan is stymied when Paul appeals his case to the emperor, requiring the procurator to transfer him to Rome.