'I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.' - Festus's confession 'I was at a loss' (diaporeō, diaporeō-'I was perplexed') admits the limits of his jurisdiction and competence. Religious disputes exceed Roman magistrates' purview; hence his offer to move the trial to Jerusalem, where Jewish authorities could judge. His uncertainty, however, led him to bend toward injustice-the very weakness Paul had to overcome.

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