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 25:7 mean?

Explanation

Acts 25:7 presents a scene from the apostle Paul's legal ordeals.

Paul is being accused by some Jews who had journeyed from Jerusalem.

They are said to have surrounded Paul, presenting numerous charges against him.

Importantly, the verse underscores that these accusers could not substantiate their allegations with proof.

The verse seems to point not just to a legal battle, but also to a clash between the new Christian teachings espoused by Paul and the traditional Jewish authorities who saw him as a threat to their religious and cultural norms.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 25:7 is set during a time when the early Christian Church was expanding but facing significant opposition from Jewish authorities.

Historically, this was after Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, when his followers began spreading his teachings. Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, had converted from being a persecutor of Christians to one of Christianity's most active proponents.

The book of Acts, authored by Luke, details the history of the early Church and includes Paul's missionary journeys, his work in establishing the Church among Gentiles, and his subsequent legal troubles, which led him to appeal to Caesar in Rome.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse illustrates the conflict inherent in the spread of the Christian faith in a predominantly Jewish context.

The inability of the Jews to prove their complaints against Paul can be viewed as symbolic of the larger defeat of legalism by grace, a central theme in Pauline theology.

It also reflects the idea of divine providence and favor, suggesting that Paul, representing the truth of the Christian message, will ultimately be vindicated despite false accusations.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary context, Acts 25:7 can offer several applications. It teaches the importance of fair trial and the avoidance of false accusations. It may also inspire believers to stand firm in their convictions even when confronted with unjust criticism.

Furthermore, it encourages integrity in addressing conflicts and discernment in judging the character and actions of others.

Cross-References

Acts 24:5-6 – "For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes."
Acts 24:13 – "Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words and phrases include:

"παρείστηκει" (pareistēkei) – "stood round about," conveying the idea of surrounding or crowding around, suggesting a possibly aggressive or intimidating stance by the accusers.
"αἰτίας" (aitias) – "complaints or charges," which could refer to formal legal accusations.
"βαρείας" (bareias) – "grevious or serious," indicating that the charges brought were not trivial but of a severe nature.
"ἀποδεῖξαι" (apodeixai) – "they could not prove," this implies the insufficiency of evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient legal systems, Jewish law at the time emphasized oral testimony and the need for two or three witnesses to establish a matter.

This emphasis on eyewitness testimony can be seen as an effort to ensure fairness and justice, akin to practices in other ancient Near Eastern cultures.

In a broader religious comparison, many ancient myths and beliefs also recount tales of false accusations against heroes or gods, typically serving as a narrative device to highlight their virtue or divine protection.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives, issues of justice, the reliability of witness testimony, and the need for evidence in the adjudication of legal disputes do intersect with fields like forensic psychology and the justice system.

Modern science has developed advanced techniques for evaluating evidence and establishing facts, highlighting the ongoing importance of substantiating claims, whether in a court of law or in public discourse.

commentaries

Commentators on the Book of Acts often focus on the historicity and legal aspects of this account.

For example, F.F.

Bruce notes the adherence to Roman legal procedure in Paul's trials, including the right to defend himself against unfounded accusations.

John Stott comments on the persistent opposition faced by Paul from his fellow Jews, reflecting theological opposition between Judaism and Christianity at the time.

These insights from various experts help to illuminate the narrative and theological layers within this verse from Acts.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:7 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 25:7 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?