Several days later, Felix and his wife Druscilla, a Jewess, called Paul before them to hear more about this Christian doctrine. Unfortunately the governor and his wife had not lived a good life; so when Paul "reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come upon sinners, Felix trembled, and answered, "Go away for this time; when I find it again convenient to hear you, I will send for you." [Sidenote: Offered a Bribe.] Felix was not a just judge, yet he wanted to dismiss Paul; but he hoped to get some money for doing it. So he called the prisoner before him many times, and hinted that if Paul would give him money, he would free him; but Paul scorned the intimation to be bribed. So for two years Paul was kept in prison; but during that time, he no doubt preached the Gospel to many of his friends, and perhaps to many strangers as well. When Felix was released as governor, "willing to show the Jews a pleasure, he left Paul bound." BEFORE FESTUS [Sidenote: Another Wicked Scheme.] Felix was succeeded by Festus, who was a more just and honorable governor. Festus remained in Caesarea about three days, and went up to visit Jerusalem. Then the chief priests and others tried to poison his mind against Paul, and asked that he might be brought from Caesarea to Jerusalem to be tried. It was their wicked plan to waylay Paul and kill him. But Festus answered, "This prisoner will be kept at Caesarea, and I will return there myself. Let some of your ablest men go down with me, and prove that this man is as wicked as you say." Ten days later, in Caesarea, Festus sat on the judgment seat, and summoned Paul before him. They again accused Paul of many wicked things, but could prove none of them. Paul again answered for himself, saying, [Sidenote: Denies Charges.] "I have done no wrong against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple; nor against Caesar." Festus, desiring to please the Jews, and not knowing that they desired to kill Paul, said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?" "I am standing in a Roman court, where I ought to be judged; I have not wronged the Jews, as thou very well knowest; and no man shall deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar." [Sidenote: Appeal to Caesar.] Paul, you remember, was a Roman citizen; and therefore, had the right under the law to be tried at Rome before Caesar, the emperor. Festus, after conferring with his council, said to Paul. "Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Then unto Caesar shalt thou go." So Paul was taken to prison to await a favorable opportunity to be sent to Rome. BEFORE KING AGRIPPA