Acts 25:16
What does Acts 25:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:16 means
Festus told them that Roman custom does not hand over anyone before the accused meets accusers face to face and has an opportunity to defend himself. This standard protects against secret condemnation and mob justice. Even a pagan empire recognized principles that align with basic fairness. God’s providence often preserves His servants through such common-grace structures. For Paul, this rule keeps the case from being decided by hostility rather than evidence. Festus’ explanation reveals that he tried to steer the matter toward legitimate process, even if later he wavered under political pressure. Justice requires confrontation and the chance to answer.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000To 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611To 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901To 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To whom I gave answer that it is not the Roman way to give a man up, till he has been face to face with those who are attacking him, and has had a chance to give an answer to the statements made against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862unto whom I answered, that it is not a custom of Romans to make a favour of any man to die, before that he who is accused may have the accusers face to face, and may receive place of defence in regard to the charge laid against <FI> him<Fi> .
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To whom I answered: it is not the custom of the Romans to condemn any man, before that he who is accused have his accusers present and have liberty to make his answer, to clear himself of the things laid to his charge.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to whom I answered, It is not [the] custom of the Romans to give up any man before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and he have got opportunity of defence touching the charge.
Context
Still summarizing events for Agrippa, Festus emphasizes the legal ground rules that shaped his actions. This stands in contrast to the leaders’ push for a quick sentence (verse 15). In verses 17–18, he describes convening court promptly and discovering that the accusations were not what he expected. Verse 19 will focus the issue on disputes about their religion and particularly about Jesus’ reported resurrection. This flow helps Agrippa see that the matter is not straightforward criminality but a theological controversy, explaining Festus’ perplexity in verse 20.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:1
And Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and made his defence:
- Deuteronomy 17:4
and it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it; then shalt thou inquire diligently; and, behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel,
- Proverbs 18:13
He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
- Deuteronomy 19:17
then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges that shall be in those days;
- John 7:51
Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth?
- Acts 25:4
Howbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Cæsarea, and that he himself was about to depart thither shortly.
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