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 25:26 mean?

Explanation

Acts 25:26 is part of the narrative describing the trial of the Apostle Paul.

The speaker is Festus, the Roman governor of Judea, who is addressing King Agrippa II, in the presence of Paul and other dignitaries.

Festus has found himself in a quandary because, while Paul has been accused by the Jewish leaders of crimes worthy of death, Festus cannot identify any specific Roman laws Paul has broken.

The verse reflects his sense of duty to have a valid charge before sending a prisoner to Caesar.

Essentially, Festus is seeking King Agrippa’s assistance to arrive at a precise accusation that would warrant a trial before the emperor, thus ensuring legal proceedings were conducted properly and justly.

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Historical Context

The verse takes place within the Roman province of Judea during the first century AD.

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and held in Caesarea for two years under Felix, the previous governor.

After Felix was succeeded by Festus, the Jewish leaders reasserted their accusations, but Festus, a Roman official with little understanding of Jewish laws and customs, found himself uncertain about how to proceed.

King Agrippa II, who had authority over the Temple in Jerusalem and maintained a good understanding of Jewish customs and religion, was visiting Festus.

Agrippa, being a Jewish client king under Roman authority, was well-versed in both cultures, which made him an ideal consultant on the matter.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse demonstrates the perplexity of Roman authorities when confronted with the early Christian movement and Jewish internal disputes.

From a Christian perspective, this verse demonstrates God’s providence in using secular authorities to fulfill His purposes. It has also been interpreted to show the innocence of Paul regarding Roman law, thus emphasizing the divine protection over his ministry.

Moreover, this narrative aligns with the theme throughout Acts of the spread of the gospel despite opposition and human legal systems, highlighting the sovereignty of God in the midst of human affairs.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can encourage believers in the justice of due process, even within a sometimes flawed human legal system.

It also serves as a reminder to seek wise counsel when faced with complex decisions, highlighting the importance of consulting those with the appropriate knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, it demonstrates integrity in leadership, as Festus refuses to condemn Paul without a clear charge, asserting the need for clear and just reasoning in judgment and decision-making processes.

Cross-References

Acts 24:27 – Describes the transition from Felix to Festus as governor.
Acts 25:20 – Further illustrates Festus’ perplexity regarding charges against Paul.
Acts 26:1-3 – King Agrippa II allows Paul to speak and expresses interest in hearing him.
Acts 26:31-32 – After hearing Paul, Festus and Agrippa discuss Paul's case and assert his innocence.
Acts 23:11 – Shows the divine assurance Paul received that he would testify in Rome.

Language Study

"no certain thing": The original Greek phrase "περὶ οὗ" (peri hou) indicates Festus' uncertainty about the specifics of the charges against Paul.
"write": The Greek word "γράψω" (grapsō) implies formulating a written statement or report, which was a requirement before sending a prisoner to be judged by the emperor.
"my lord": This term, in the original Greek τῷ κυρίῳ (to kyrion), can indicate respect and acknowledge authority; in this case, Festus referring to Emperor Nero.
"examination": Derived from the Greek "ἀνακρίνω" (anakrinō), suggesting a judicial interrogation to ascertain facts regarding the case.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Roman culture, legal processes were highly valued, and sending an accused person to the emperor without a solid accusation would be deemed improper.

Comparatively, in Jewish legal contexts of the time, religious and social offenses could carry great weight and often result in capital punishment.

This contrast put Festus in a difficult position, highlighting differences between Roman and Jewish legal proceedings.

In ancient myths and other religious interpretations, divine or heroic figures often faced trials or judgment, but the emphasis here on due process and fair trial is more pronounced in the Judeo-Christian tradition where legal and moral themes are prominent.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives provide little direct insight into this verse as it deals predominantly with historical and legal narrative rather than topics within the purview of science.

However, forensic historical studies, as a scientific approach to historical analysis, might be applied to examine the legal structures of ancient Rome, the accuracy of the account, and Paul's travels and trials as a key figure in early Christianity.

Commentaries

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible: Gill notes the sense of justice and propriety in Festus’s actions.

He praises Festus's reluctance to send Paul to Caesar without just cause and perceives Festus’s decision to consult with Agrippa as an attempt to clarify the matter.

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry discusses the procedures of the Roman court and Festus’s quandary over not knowing what to write about Paul's crimes.

Henry notes that Festus needed something substantial to justify sending Paul to Nero, emphasizing the political and judicial delicacies of the situation.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: This commentary highlights Festus's respect for Roman law in not wanting to send a prisoner to trial without clear charges, demonstrating the concern within the Roman judicial system for at least the appearance of justice and the forms of legal proceedings.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:26 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 25:26 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?