Acts 25

Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.

But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

What does Acts 25:11 mean?

Explanation

Acts 25:11 records a statement made by the Apostle Paul during his trial before Festus, the Roman governor of Judea.

In this verse, Paul asserts his rights as a Roman citizen to appeal to the emperor ("Caesar") if he believes he is not receiving justice.

Paul is addressing the accusations brought against him by Jewish leaders, which he claims are unfounded.

He expresses a willingness to accept punishment if he has committed any crime deserving of death, but maintains his innocence.

His statement indicates his trust in the Roman legal system while making clear his refusal to be handed over to his accusers without proper legal proceedings.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The events described in Acts 25 occur after the Apostle Paul has been arrested in Jerusalem and accused by Jewish authorities of crimes against Jewish law and the Roman state.

Paul has been brought to Caesarea to stand trial before the Roman governor.

The Roman Empire had a complex legal system that granted citizens certain privileges, including the right to appeal to higher authorities.

As a Roman citizen, Paul could invoke this right to escalate his case to the highest level – an audience with the emperor in Rome.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse demonstrates the Christian principle of justice and the exercising of lawful rights.

Paul's actions reflect a belief in the proper use of legal avenues for the defense of one's life and the spreading of the Gospel.

It also shows the early Christian approach to state authority where Christians would respect and utilize existing legal structures of their time, as advised in Romans 13:1-7.

Some theologians also view Paul’s determination to reach Rome as part of God's providential plan for him to preach the Gospel there.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Acts 25:11 lie in its example of advocating for justice and utilizing legal channels when faced with accusations or persecution.

It teaches the value of knowing and standing up for one's rights while also being willing to submit to authority if one is truly in the wrong.

The verse can inspire individuals to approach difficult situations with both wisdom and integrity, ensuring that they remain transparent and honest throughout any legal process.

Cross-References

Acts 22:25-28: Paul invokes his Roman citizenship to avoid being flogged without trial.
Acts 26:32: King Agrippa comments that Paul might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.
Romans 13:1-7: Paul writes about the Christian duty to respect and obey governmental authority.
Philippians 1:12-14: Paul speaks about his chains advancing the gospel.

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the phrase "I appeal unto Caesar" is written as "ἐπικαλοῦμαι Καῖσαρα" (epikaloumai Kaisara).

The term "ἐπικαλοῦμαι" (epikaloumai) comes from the verb "ἐπικαλέω" (epikaleō), meaning "to call upon" or "appeal to." The word "Καῖσαρα" (Kaisara) refers to "Caesar," the title used for Roman emperors.

This language reveals Paul's formal declaration, invoking his legal right to have his case heard by the emperor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context of the ancient world, appealing to a higher authority was a common practice across various cultures for individuals seeking justice.

Other ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Egyptians, also had complex legal systems with avenues for appeal.

Religiously, Judaism in which Paul was raised, had an established system of laws and rights, enshrined in the Torah.

Paul's appeal is somewhat unique, combining his Jewish heritage with his rights as a Roman citizen.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly apply to the interpretation of this verse, as Acts 25:11 deals with legal and historical events rather than concepts within the scope of science.

However, the study of ancient Roman law and societal structure is an area of interest for historians and anthropologists, involving rigorous methodology and research techniques similar to those used in scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators often focus on Paul's shrewdness in using his Roman citizenship to protect himself and further his mission.

John Stott, in his commentary, suggests that Paul's appeal to Caesar was both his legal right and a strategic move in advancing the Gospel.

F.F.

Bruce remarks on the providential nature of Paul's appeal, contributing to the spread of Christianity.

Matthew Henry comments on Paul's courage and prudence in his defense, remarking on his willingness to suffer if guilty, yet not submitting to false accusations.

These interpretations generally align in recognizing Paul's wisdom in navigating the legal challenges he faced.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 25:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?