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 25:24 mean?

Explanation

Acts 25:24 is a part of the narrative where Paul the Apostle is being tried before Festus, the Roman governor of Judea, and King Herod Agrippa II.

In this particular verse, Festus is addressing King Agrippa and everyone present, explaining the situation regarding Paul.

Festus explains that Paul is the person about whom the Jewish people have been very vocal, the Jewish community has been petitioning both in Jerusalem and in Caesarea (where the trial is taking place) that Paul is deserving of death for the crimes he is accused of, which include blasphemy and instigating rebellion against Jewish law and possibly Roman authority.

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Historical Context

Acts 25 is set during the period when Judea was a province of the Roman Empire, under the local governance of Festus (who succeeded Felix around AD 59-62).

The cultural climate of Judea was filled with religious tension, particularly between the Jewish religious leaders and the emerging Christian sect, of which Paul was a notable leader and proponent.

Paul, being a Roman citizen, had appealed to Caesar and was therefore brought before Festus for preliminary proceedings.

This verse is part of the later stages of Paul's legal ordeals.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the conflict between the emerging Christian movement and the established Jewish religious system.

It underscores the Christian teaching of suffering and persecution in the name of faith.

The trial of Paul can be seen to reflect Jesus Christ's own trial, emphasizing the theme of enduring injustice while remaining steadfast in one's belief.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse can serve as a reminder of the virtue of patience and endurance in the face of false accusations and injustice. It encourages individuals to stand firm in their beliefs, even when facing overwhelming opposition.

Additionally, it speaks to the legal and human right to a fair trial and the idea of persevering through bureaucratic and legal challenges.

Cross-References

Acts 24:27: "But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound."
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:"

Acts 26:31: "And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds."

Language Study

"King Agrippa" refers to Herod Agrippa II, the Jewish king who was an ally of Rome.
"Crying" in this context means to shout or to plea emphatically.
"Ought not to live any longer" suggests that the accusers believe Paul has committed a crime so severe that it warrants a death sentence under their law.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse, within the wider story of Paul's trial, has parallels with other traditions where individuals are persecuted for their beliefs or for challenging the status quo.

It echoes the narratives found in various cultures where prophets or wise individuals face opposition from entrenched powers, such as Socrates in Greek philosophy or various prophets in different religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific analysis does not directly engage with this verse as it relates to historical events and theological concepts.

Nonetheless, modern psychology may offer insight into the social dynamics of group pressure and the mechanisms of scapegoating that can emerge in such confrontational scenarios.

Commentaries

According to various biblical scholars and commentaries:

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary suggests that Paul, in the midst of his trials, is an example of patience and faithfulness to God's cause despite significant opposition.
The Pulpit Commentary notes that Festus sought to emphasize the Jews' persistent demands for a sentence of death as he presents Paul's case before Agrippa, possibly seeking to distance himself from a judicial decision for or against Paul.
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible remarks on the great pressure that the Jewish people were putting on Festus to have Paul executed without a proper trial, reflecting the intensity of their anger toward Paul.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:24 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 25:24 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?