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 25:8 mean?

Explanation

Acts 25:8 delivers a segment of the defense speech by Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, as he stands trial before Festus, a Roman governor of Judea.

In the verse, Paul is addressing charges that have been brought against him.

He denies committing offenses against three specific entities: the Jewish law, the temple, and Caesar--who represents Roman civil authority.

Paul's defense highlights his consciousness of legal and religious boundaries of both Jewish and Roman contexts, asserting his innocence in a manner meant to appeal to both Jewish and Roman sensibilities.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, provides a historical account of the early Christian Church's development and the spread of its teachings.

The setting for Acts 25 is the Roman province of Judea during the first century. Paul has been arrested and accused by Jewish leaders of blasphemy and instigating unrest.

The cultural context is one of a tense relationship between the Jewish community, with its customs and laws, and the occupying Roman authorities, who demanded allegiance to Roman law and to Caesar as the imperial authority.

Paul, as both a Jew and a Roman citizen, navigates this complex relationship as he speaks to his actions within both legal frameworks.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 25:8 can be seen as a testament to Paul's faithfulness to God's commandments and his respect for civil authorities. This reflects later Christian teachings regarding the respect of governing bodies (as seen in Romans 13).

This verse also reinforces the theme of Paul as a model of Christian conduct; even when faced with false accusations, his approach is one of clarity and respect toward the law, rather than retaliation or subversion.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Acts 25:8 can inspire individuals to maintain integrity and respect for legal and religious systems. It urges honesty in the face of false accusations and demonstrates the importance of a clear conscience.

Moreover, it encourages individuals to be articulate in their defense and wise in addressing different audience sensibilities, much like Paul addressing Jewish and Roman audiences simultaneously.

Cross-References

Acts 24:12-13: "And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:"
Romans 13:1: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

Acts 28:17: "And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, ...

I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Acts 25:8 include:

"Against" (Greek: "enantion"): It means opposite to, or in face of.
"Law" (Greek: "nomos"): Referring here to the Jewish law, the Torah.
"Temple" (Greek: "hieron"): The holy place in Jerusalem central to Jewish worship.
"Caesar" (Greek: "Kaisar"): The title used for the Roman emperor, symbolizing Roman civil authority.

Paul's use of these words illustrates the specific areas in which he has been accused and the areas he is defending himself against.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as the Roman and Greek myths, individuals often defended themselves against the gods or fate. The defense before a governor or a king was also a recurring theme, reflecting the tension between personal fate and authority.

However, in Paul's defense, there's a notable difference in the monotheistic worldview. Paul recognizes only one divine law above all, yet he respects the earthly laws when they do not conflict with his religious beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

Acts 25:8 does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings, as it pertains more to legal and theological claims than to empirically verifiable phenomena.

However, modern forensic and legal sciences reinforce the need for evidence-based defense and the presumption of innocence, principles that Paul's defense echoes as he challenges his accusers to present evidence for the charges against him.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentators have provided insight into Acts 25:8:

John Calvin notes the integrity Paul maintains while standing before the tribunal, emphasizing his conscientiousness in observance of both religious and civil obedience.
Matthew Henry highlights Paul's refusal to admit guilt to placate his accusers or the court, pointing out the apostle's steadfast truthfulness.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the Roman context of this defense, considering the weight of Paul's claim of innocence against the accusation of insurrection or sedition against Caesar.

These commentaries illustrate the significance of Paul's claim from both a doctrinal and a historical perspective.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:8 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 25:8 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?