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 25:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse "But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive." from Acts 25:19 is part of the account of Paul's trial before Festus, a Roman governor.

In this verse, Festus is explaining to King Agrippa the nature of the accusations made by the Jewish leaders against Paul.

He refers to the issues raised as "certain questions against him of their own superstition" implying that the religious concerns of the Jews seemed like superstitious matters to him.

Additionally, Festus mentions the central dispute concerning "one Jesus," indicating the figure around whom the controversy was centered. Paul claims that this Jesus, who was dead, is now alive, asserting the resurrection, which is a fundamental claim of Christian faith.

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Historical Context

Acts 25:19 is set in the 1st century AD, during Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea.

This period was marked by Roman rule over Judea and a complex relationship between Roman authorities and Jewish religious leaders.

Romans, generally tolerant of local religions, considered many of the Jewish beliefs as superstitions.

The cultural clash between Roman paganism and Jewish monotheism, and the emergent Christian sect added to the complexity. Paul, a Roman citizen and Christian apostle, was at the intersection of these cultural and religious tensions.

Theological Insights

The verse touches upon early Christian claims of Jesus' resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian theology.

Different theological interpretations include the literal view of resurrection, seen in orthodox Christianity, and metaphorical or spiritual perspectives that some liberal theologies might propose.

The mention of the term "superstition" in relation to Jewish beliefs offers insight into how non-Jewish observers may have perceived Jewish and Christian religious practices at the time.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire individuals to consider how they perceive and engage with beliefs that differ from their own. It encourages respectful dialogue and understanding rather than labeling unfamiliar religious practices as superstition.

Moreover, it underlines the importance of witnessing personal convictions even in the face of opposition or misunderstanding, as Paul did with his testimony about Jesus' resurrection.

Cross-References

Acts 17:32: "And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter."
Acts 23:6: "But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question."
Acts 26:8: "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "superstition" is translated from "deisidaimonias," which means "religiousness" or "religion," but here perhaps with a connotation of "superstition." The word for "affirmed" is "phaskon," which carries the sense of asserting or declaring.

It reflects the strength of Paul's claim about Jesus' resurrection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this passage with other religious interpretations and ancient myths, one could look at the broad spectrum of resurrection or rebirth stories in various cultures such as the Egyptian story of Osiris, the Phoenix in Greek mythology, or the Hindu concept of reincarnation.

However, the Christian claim of resurrection is unique in its historicity and centrality to faith.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, resurrection defies natural laws, as death is considered a final state. The passage doesn't offer any scientific evidence but rather presents a supernatural claim that is a matter of faith and not open to scientific validation or refutation.

Commentaries

Several Bible commentaries expand on this verse, often noting Festus's lack of understanding of Jewish customs and the early Christian message.

Some suggest that Festus downplays the religious significance of the dispute, viewing it through a secular lens.

Commentators also highlight Paul's adamant proclamation of Jesus' resurrection as a fundamental truth that he is willing to defend, despite the cultural and religious misunderstandings of the Roman authorities.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:19 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 25:19 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?