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 25:4 mean?

Explanation

Acts 25:4 describes a moment in the legal proceedings against Paul the Apostle.

Here, the Roman governor Festus responds to a request by Jewish leaders to have Paul transferred from Caesarea to Jerusalem for judgment.

Instead of granting their request, Festus declares that Paul will be kept in Caesarea and adds that he will be returning there shortly.

This statement suggests a certain level of protection for Paul, as the move to Jerusalem would likely have led to his assassination (as implied earlier in Acts).

Moreover, it shows Festus's desire to deal with the matter lawfully and under Roman jurisdiction in Caesarea, the administrative capital of Judea at that time.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and details the history of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel.

Acts 25 is set during the time of Paul's imprisonment in Judea under Roman authority.

Festus, mentioned in this verse, is Porcius Festus, who succeeded Felix as the Roman procurator of Judea around A.D. 59-62.

The historical context indicates that the early Christians, including Paul, often found themselves in conflict with both Jewish authorities and Roman rule.

Festus was attempting to administer his duties amidst complex local tensions and religious strife.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Acts 25:4 underscores the theme of providence and divine protection. The decision by Festus may be seen as part of God's plan to keep Paul safe and ultimately to facilitate his mission to spread the gospel, including his pivotal journey to Rome.

Moreover, the verse highlights aspects of justice and impartiality, as Festus refuses to be swayed by the Jewish leaders and opts for a legal proceeding that would be fair and under his surveillance. There is the implication that God works through secular authorities to accomplish divine purposes.

Practical Applications

This verse provides practical lessons in integrity and justice. Like Festus, individuals are encouraged to act fairly and impartially, especially in positions of power or when making decisions that affect others' lives.

Additionally, believers may find comfort in the notion that God is at work in their circumstances, and they can have faith that justice will prevail even in the face of adversity or injustice.

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 25:10: "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."
Acts 25:12: "Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go."

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text of Acts 25:4 include:

"Festus" (Φῆστος) - the name of the Roman procurator.
"Caesarea" (Καισαρείας) - the Roman administrative capital of Judea, which is the location where Paul is being held.
"Depart shortly" (ταχέως μελλω) - the phrase indicates Festus's intention to leave soon or in the near future, indicating a prompt attention to the matter at hand.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious comparison, Roman governors often had to navigate local customs and religious tensions, much like other rulers in ancient empires.

The situation of Paul reflects the broader tension between emerging Christian sects and established religious institutions of that time, a pattern seen throughout history when new religious movements challenge the status quo.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might not directly apply to this verse given its historical and legal nature.

However, modern forensic and legal sciences do highlight the importance of fair trials and justice systems which aim to protect the rights of individuals, principles that resonate with Festus's stance in the book of Acts.

commentaries

Various biblical commentators have offered perspectives on this verse:

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible places emphasis on Festus ensuring the Jews that Paul would be kept safely and that justice would be served appropriately.
Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that Festus showed a desire to be properly informed in the matters concerning Paul and perhaps a carefulness not to be swayed by the Jewish leaders without a fair cause.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible discusses the political motive behind Festus's decision, considering his need to please the Jews while also adhering to Roman law and justice.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:4 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 25:4 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?