Paul in his argument (Acts 26:1-29) before Festus and King Agrippa II., took the ground that Christianity, as an outgrowth of Judaism, had a legal status. Paul said that he preached that the Messiah had come in the person of Jesus Christ and this was the One whom Moses and the prophets had foretold, (a) Paul's introduction is very courteous. He recognizes King Agrippa as well versed "in all customs and questions which are among the Jews." (b) He declares his early life to be well known, as a Jew, and, of the strictest sect, a Pharisee. (c) He stands accused because he believes that the Messiah, whom all Jews are praying may come, has come. (c) Here, as Prof. Lindsay says, in his commentary on the Acts, "Agrippa may by look, word, or gesture have suggested, A crucified Messiah! and Paul have answered, No, but a risen Redeemer! Is it incredible that God should raise the dead?" Then Paul continues saying, that he himself was an enemy of Christ at first. (d) Paul proceeds with his argument, giving his personal testimony, how this risen Messiah had appeared to him on the way to Damascus and what He had said to him. (e) Then he shows how it had been foretold by the prophets and Moses that Christ should suffer "and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show forth light unto the people, and to the Gentiles." The argument is over and after certain remarks, by Festus and Agrippa which are characteristic of both men, there is a conference and a decision rendered by the Roman governor and Jewish King, "That this man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds." But the appeal to Caesar cannot be set aside and Paul must go to Rome. THE VOYAGE TO ROME _Scripture, Acts 21:1-28:31_ Paul now begins his long delayed trip to Rome not, however, as he expected a free man, but as a prisoner. He comes finally to Rome and there testifies of his faith in Christ. His native force of character and Christian graces bring him to the front upon this voyage and in the time of shipwreck he takes over the command. Three ships convey him to Rome, one of which is cast away on the island of Melita; if we follow the fortunes of these three ships this section of Acts may be divided into three parts: +Caesarea to Myra+ (a city of Lycia) or the fortunes of Paul upon the first ship (Acts 27:1-5). Aristarchus and Luke were the companions who embarked with the Great Apostle upon a ship of Adramyttium. Paul was in charge of Julius, "a centurion of Augustus's band." The first stop was at Sidon where Paul was given "liberty to go unto his friends and refresh himself." The ship then sailed for the city of Myra in Lycia passing to the east and north of the island of Cyprus.