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 25:22 mean?

Explanation

[Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.] - Acts 25:22 (KJV)

This verse occurs during a particularly tense moment in the New Testament, where Paul, having been arrested and accused by the Jewish leaders, faces trial before Roman authorities.

King Agrippa and Bernice visit Festus, the Roman procurator of Judea, and during their conversation, the topic of Paul comes up.

Festus elaborates on Paul's situation, something that piques Agrippa's interest.

Agrippa expresses his desire to hear from Paul directly.

Festus agrees to this request, scheduling the hearing for the following day.

On the surface, the verse is a straightforward narrative about the legal proceedings awaiting Paul.

However, deeper meanings can be inferred around divine providence and the spread of the Gospel through testimony, even in hostile settings.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

During the time depicted in Acts, Judea was under Roman occupation and governed by Roman officials.

The Jewish population had a degree of autonomy in religious affairs but was still subject to Roman law and jurisdiction, especially in capital cases.

Festus was a Roman procurator who governed from around AD 59 to 62.

King Agrippa II was a client king of the Roman Empire who ruled over a neighboring territory and was considered an expert in Jewish customs and law.

This hearing takes place before Agrippa and Festus, representing both Roman and Jewish authorities, which reflects the complex political landscape of the time.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theology perspective, there's an understanding that Paul's trials and hearings served as opportunities for him to testify about Jesus Christ to influential leaders, which is consistent with Jesus' prophecy that the disciples would be brought before kings and rulers for His name's sake (Luke 21:12-13).

Thus, Paul's legal struggles are seen as part of a divine plan for the spread of Christianity.

Practical Applications

Modern readers can take from Acts 25:22 that challenges may arise but are often openings to share one's faith and convictions with others, including those in authority. It’s a call to be prepared to provide a reason for one's faith when the opportunity presents itself.

Cross-References

Acts 9:15 - "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
Acts 26:1 - "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.

Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:"

Luke 21:12-13 - "But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake."

Language Study

The key phrase here is "I would also hear the man myself." The original Greek text employes the word "ἀκούσαι" (akousai) which translates as 'to hear.' Agrippa’s use of the word describes his personal interest in listening to what Paul has to say.

It indicates his openness or curiosity about Paul's message, testimony, or defense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, it was not uncommon for rulers and leaders to hear cases themselves, particularly ones that aroused interest due to their complexity or the prominence of the accused.

In Greek and Roman culture, eloquent speech and persuasive rhetoric were highly respected; thus, someone like Paul, who was well-educated in both Jewish and Roman systems, might intrigue a ruler like Agrippa.

Scientific Perspectives

While Acts 25:22 doesn't directly intersect with scientific perspectives, it does reflect human behavior and psychology in terms of communication, influence, and legal processes.

Behavioral sciences study how people make decisions and are influenced by others, which is relevant in understanding the social dynamics at play in this verse.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators offer insights into Acts 25:22:

John Gill observed that Agrippa desired to hear Paul, as it was a common sentiment among the Jews that before someone is condemned, they should be heard.

His interest could be one of curiosity or genuine interest in the Christians' doctrines.

Matthew Henry comments on the providence of God that brings Paul before a king as Jesus said would happen to His disciples.

Paul's innocence and the injustice of his accusers would become evident to Agrippa.

The Pulpit Commentary notes Agrippa’s request as a natural one given his background and vested interest in religious matters, especially those involving the sect increasingly known as Christians.

These commentaries show an appreciation for the event's historical and spiritual significance within Christian thought.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:22 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 25:22 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?