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 25:17 mean?

Explanation

Acts 25:17 speaks of the immediacy and fairness in addressing legal matters, particularly concerning the case of Paul, who was then a prisoner accused by the Jews of crimes against the law and the temple.

The speaker in this verse is Festus, the Roman governor of Judea, who succeeded Felix.

Festus is explaining to King Agrippa II and Bernice that upon his arrival in the province, he did not delay in sitting on the judgment seat to review Paul's case.

The verse indicates that Festus wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter, indicating a sense of duty to uphold justice swiftly.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 25 falls within the context of Paul’s trials before Roman authorities in the latter part of his ministry.

This particular verse is set in Caesarea, the Roman administrative center of Judea, and likely takes place around A.D. 59 or 60.

Festus had just arrived in Judea to take up his post as the new governor after Felix.

The "judgment seat" refers to the tribunal where Roman governors would hear legal cases and render decisions.

This setting demonstrates the Roman legal process and their administration in the provinces of the Empire.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this event illustrates God's sovereignty, as Paul's life and mission are preserved through the execution of Roman law.

This alignment of divine providence and human legal structures can be seen as fulfillment of Paul's calling, allowing him to witness for Christ at the center of imperial power.

From a Christian standpoint, the verse may suggest that human systems of justice, while imperfect, can be used by God to accomplish His purposes.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, Acts 25:17 can inspire the pursuit of justice and integrity in legal and administrative matters.

It shows the importance of addressing accusations and legal proceedings without undue delay.

This verse upholds the principle that those in positions of authority have a responsibility to act swiftly and impartially when judgment is required.

Cross-References

Acts 24:10: "Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:"
Acts 23:35: "I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come.

And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall."

Acts 18:12-16: Explains another legal process involving Paul in Corinth.
John 7:51: "Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?"

Language Study

Come hither: Refers to arriving at the place, which is Caesarea.
Without any delay: The phrase in Greek is "μηθενὸς ἐνθαδεβουλευσάμενος χρόνου" suggesting no delay or not taking time to consider other matters.
On the morrow: Implies the very next day; indicating prompt action.
Sat on the judgment seat: Festus took his place on the "βῆμα" (bēma), which was the official seat of judgment for a Roman official.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context, the verse can be compared with justice systems in ancient civilizations. In many ancient societies, justice was swift but not always fair or impartial.

In contrast, Roman law sought to give a structured and standardized approach to legal proceedings, albeit still imperfect by modern standards.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might analyze the psychological and social implications of justice and its administration.

Modern studies on law and social psychology examine how the promptness and fairness of legal proceedings affect societal trust and order, an aspect that Festus' actions in this verse indirectly contribute to.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentaries emphasize different aspects of Acts 25:17.

Many highlight the political maneuvering of Festus as a new governor attempting to appease local leaders while still showing Roman efficiency in law.

Others see in Festus an example (albeit a flawed one) of a leader trying to ensure a just process without being influenced by local pressures or prejudices.

Some note that his swift action contrasts with Felix, who left Paul imprisoned for two years. Still, others look at the broader theological narrative of Acts, seeing the unfolding of Paul's destiny to bear witness in Rome as ordained by God.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:17 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 25:17 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?