Acts 25:15
What does Acts 25:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:15 means
Festus explains that in Jerusalem the chief priests and elders pressed him for a judgment against Paul. Their request was not for a fair trial but for a decisive sentence, revealing the intensity of their opposition. This shows the political pressure Festus faced early in his tenure and the expectations placed on him to satisfy influential locals. At the same time, by putting their case in Roman terms, they accepted Roman oversight. God uses this tension to keep the process in the open. Festus’ retelling underscores that the push for condemnation began immediately and had to be restrained by Roman legal norms.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for sentence against him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for sentence against him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Against whom the chief priests and the rulers of the Jews made a statement when I was at Jerusalem, requesting me to give a decision against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862about whom, in my being at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid information, asking a decision against him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the ancients of the Jews came unto me, desiring condemnation against him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890concerning whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid informations, requiring judgment against him:
Context
Festus is recounting to Agrippa how the matter unfolded upon his arrival in Jerusalem. The leaders demanded a sentence against Paul (compare verses 2–3), but Festus resisted summary action. In verse 16 he will describe the Roman principle of allowing the accused to confront accusers and defend themselves. Then, in verses 17–19, he narrates the Cæsarea hearing and the surprising nature of the charges. This narrative prepares Agrippa to understand both the legal dilemma and the theological core of the dispute, prompting his interest in hearing Paul personally (verse 22).
v.14And 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;
v.15This passage
v.16To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Esther 3:9
If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those that have the charge of the king’s business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.
- Luke 23:23
But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. And their voices prevailed.
- Acts 25:1
Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Cæsarea.
- Luke 18:3
and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
- Acts 24:1
And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, andwithan orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.
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