To them I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.' Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar."
Acts 25:16-21
Festus was recounting to Agrippa II the back story of Paul’s case. Festus was at least astute enough to realize that the case against Paul was of a Jewish religious nature and not a Roman legal matter. His interest was not in justice for the accused, but rather about how he could send Paul to Rome and not end up in trouble himself for sending such a prisoner to Caesar without legitimate legal charges. Instead of seeking justice, he was seeking to pass the buck and spare himself embarrassment.
Note also who was being asked for advice: Herod Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the great. Herod the Great was the one who sought to eliminate the baby Jesus by killing all boys, two years old and under, in and around Bethlehem (Matthew2:16-18). Now years later, his great-grandson, Herod Agrippa II, was involved in the life or death verdict of the Apostle Paul who was on trial for preaching that Jesus was still alive.
These kinds of ironies are all a part of God’s sovereign providence, as is every detail of our lives. Sometimes God’s providence is comfortable and to our liking. Sometimes, not so much! But that all things that happen are by God’s decree, and all things that God decrees will happen. That this is true affords us comfort—especially when God’s providence is uncomfortable. By such providences we are reminded that God has bigger and broader plans than merely our happiness.