Acts 25.13-19
(Epistle)
13Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
14As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;
15about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against him.
16I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction before the accused has met the accusers face to face and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him.
17When therefore they had come together here, I didn’t delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought.
18When the accusers stood up, they brought no charges against him of such things as I supposed;
19but had certain questions against him about their own religion and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
John 16.23-33
(Gospel)
23“In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
24Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.
25“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
26In that day you will ask in my name; and I don’t say to you that I will pray to the Father for you,
27for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God.
28I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”
29His disciples said to him, “Behold, now you are speaking plainly, and using no figures of speech.
30Now we know that you know all things, and don’t need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.”
31Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?
32Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”