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 25:23 mean?

Explanation

This verse in Acts 25:23 describes an event during the early Christian period where the Apostle Paul, having been held in detention by the Romans, is presented before the visiting King Herod Agrippa II and his sister Bernice.

Agrippa and Bernice arrive with great ceremony and formality ("with great pomp") to the "place of hearing," a formal setting where judicial proceedings were conducted.

The "chief captains, and principal men of the city" refers to high-ranking military officers and local dignitaries gathered for the occasion, suggesting the importance of this event to the community.

Governor Festus orders Paul to be brought to this assembly, likely to present his case before Agrippa, as Festus seeks advice on how to deal with Paul's case before sending him to Rome for trial.

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Historical Context

During the first century CE, Judea was a Roman province governed by procurators or governors like Porcius Festus.

King Agrippa II was a client king of the Roman Empire, ruling over the territories of Chalcis and later given additional territories to the northeast of the Sea of Galilee.

He was known for his knowledge of Jewish customs and laws, and Festus may have sought his counsel on matters concerning Jewish religious disputes.

Bernice was Agrippa's sister, and both were prominent figures in the Jewish and Roman social scenes.

The book of Acts, attributed to Luke, presents Paul's missionary work as well as his trials and arrest.

At this point in Acts, Paul has been accused by Jewish authorities and is under Roman custody.

His strategic appeal to Caesar means that he would have to be sent to Rome for trial, but Festus needs a clearer accusation to present before Roman courts.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights the divine providence and sovereignty in Paul's life.

It is seen as a fulfillment of Christ's promise to him that he would bear witness in Rome. It serves as a reminder to Christians that God can use adversities and the legal system of the time to achieve His purposes and the spread of the Gospel.

Additionally, some Christian commentators see in Paul's trials a parallel to Jesus' own trials, showcasing the theme of suffering and vindication.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse offers several applications:

It encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even in the face of legal or political challenges.
It serves as an example of patience and courage when facing trials.
It motivates Christians to be ready to give a defense of their faith in any circumstance.

Cross-References

Acts 26:32: Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
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 23:11: And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek include:

"Pomp" (φαντασίας, phantasias) - suggests a show, an ostentatious display of power and wealth.
"Hearing" (ἀκροάσεως, akroaseos) - often referred to a place for hearing cases, like a hall or auditorium.
"Chief captains" (χιλίαρχος, chiliarchos) - military leaders equivalent to Roman tribunes, each in charge of a thousand soldiers.

Understanding these terms in their original language adds depth to our comprehension of the grandeur and formality of the event being described.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the culture of the Roman Empire, it was common for rulers and officials to make public appearances with great ceremony.

This mirrored other ancient practices where kings and leaders displayed their power and elicited respect and awe from their subjects.

Religiously, Jewish and Roman traditions were intertwined in these proceedings, illustrating the interface between the Jewish leaders who accused Paul and the Roman rulers who judged him.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly apply to this verse as it is an account of a historical and legal proceeding.

However, archaeology can contribute to understanding the historical setting by providing insights into the architecture of the places where such hearings might have taken place, the social stratification of ancient societies, and the customary pomp associated with royalty and governance.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes how Agrippa and Bernice sought to make a grand entrance and Paul's situation as a spectacle before the Roman and Jewish elites.
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible focuses on Agrippa's curiosity about Paul and the Jewish religion, and how Festus took advantage of this visit to resolve his dilemma concerning Paul's appeal to Caesar.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the legal aspects of the hearing and references the Augustan History, which illustrates similar procedures in Roman trials during that period.

Each of these commentaries sheds light on different aspects of the verse, from the theatricality of the event to the underlying religious and legal dilemmas at play.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:23 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 25:23 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?