1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly [thither].
5 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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 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.
9 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?
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.
11 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.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
14 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:
15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed [me], desiring [to have] judgment against him.
16 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.
17 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.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 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.
21 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.
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 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.
24 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.
25 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.
26 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.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes [laid] against him.
Summary of Acts Chapter 25
Acts Chapter 25 describes the events following the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul. The chapter focuses on the political and legal proceedings surrounding Paul’s case, highlighting the tensions between Jewish leaders and Roman authorities. The chapter is pivotal in understanding the transition of Paul’s journey towards Rome and the implications of his faith in a Roman legal context.
Key Characters
- Paul – The Apostle who is on trial for his faith and teachings.
- Festus – The Roman governor who replaces Felix and presides over Paul’s trial.
- King Agrippa – A Jewish king who is consulted by Festus regarding Paul’s case.
- Jewish Leaders – The religious authorities who accuse Paul of various crimes.
Events of the Chapter
- Festus Takes Office
Festus arrives in Judea and assumes his role as governor. He quickly assesses the situation regarding Paul’s imprisonment and the accusations against him.
- Paul’s Accusation
The Jewish leaders present their case against Paul, accusing him of crimes against the Jewish law and the temple. They request that Paul be brought to Jerusalem for trial, which Festus denies.
- Paul’s Defense
Paul defends himself, asserting that he has committed no offense against Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar. He appeals to Caesar, which is a significant moment in his legal journey.
- Festus Consults Agrippa
Festus seeks the counsel of King Agrippa regarding how to present Paul’s case to Caesar, indicating the complexities of the legal situation and the political implications involved.
- Agrippa’s Interest
Agrippa expresses interest in hearing Paul’s defense, setting the stage for a significant dialogue about faith and the implications of the resurrection of Jesus.
Theological Themes
- Justice and Righteousness
The chapter explores the theme of justice as Paul navigates a corrupt legal system. His appeal to Caesar represents a pursuit of justice despite the challenges he faces.
- Faith in Adversity
Paul’s steadfastness in his faith during trials illustrates the strength of belief in the face of persecution and legal challenges.
- Divine Providence
The unfolding events suggest a divine plan at work, guiding Paul towards Rome, where he will continue to spread the Gospel.
Political Context
The chapter highlights the political dynamics between Roman authorities and Jewish leaders. Festus’s role as a Roman governor shows the complexities of governance in a region with diverse religious beliefs. The request for Paul to be tried in Jerusalem reflects the ongoing tension between the early Christian movement and Jewish authorities.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 25 serves as a critical juncture in the narrative of Paul’s missionary journey. It illustrates the intersection of faith, law, and politics, while also emphasizing the role of divine providence in the spread of the Gospel. The chapter sets the stage for Paul’s eventual journey to Rome, underscoring the resilience of faith amidst trials.
