Acts 25:14
What does Acts 25:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:14 means
As Agrippa and Bernice remain many days, Festus brings up Paul’s case, noting that Felix left him imprisoned. Festus inherits a problem he did not create. This admission shows his sincerity in seeking counsel and his interest in resolving a lingering, delicate matter. The continuity between governors emphasizes that the issue is not trivial or transient; it has persisted across administrations. God often uses overlapping human agendas—Festus’ desire to clear his docket and Agrippa’s expertise—to accomplish His redemptive aims. What Festus views as an administrative complication becomes the stage for clarifying the nature of Paul’s message.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as they tarried there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as they tarried there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And as they were there for some days, Festus gave them Paul's story, saying, There is a certain man here who was put in prison by Felix:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and as they were continuing there more days, Festus submitted to the king the things concerning Paul, saying, `There is a certain man, left by Felix, a prisoner,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And as they tarried there many days, Festus told the king of Paul, saying: A certain man was left prisoner by Felix.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when they had spent many days there, Festus laid before the king the matters relating to Paul, saying, There is a certain man left prisoner by Felix,
Context
Agrippa’s arrival (verse 13) opens a window for Festus to consult someone acquainted with Jewish affairs. By mentioning Felix’s leftover prisoner, Festus frames the matter as one requiring seasoned input. In the following verses (15–19), he will summarize the accusations and his surprise that they were about religious questions and Jesus’ reported resurrection. Verses 20–21 detail his perplexity and Paul’s appeal to the emperor. This sets Agrippa up to request a hearing (verse 22), moving the narrative toward the pomp-filled gathering in verse 23.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 24:27
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
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