Devine Scripture

Acts 25:19

What does Acts 25:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 25:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 25:19 means

Festus pinpoints the core: disputes about their own religion and about one Jesus, who had died, whom Paul asserted to be alive. Here the resurrection surfaces as the dividing line. To Festus, this is a puzzling theological claim; to Paul, it is the heart of the good news—Jesus crucified and risen. Christianity stands or falls on this assertion. The verse also shows how the gospel reaches Roman ears: as testimony that a dead man now lives. Festus’ neutral phrasing inadvertently bears witness to the central truth that transformed Paul and sent him to proclaim Christ throughout the empire.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But had certain questions against him in connection with their religion, and about one Jesus, now dead, who, Paul said, was living.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but certain questions concerning their own religion they had against him, and concerning a certain Jesus who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But had certain questions of their own superstition against him, and of one Jesus deceased, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but had against him certain questions of their own system of worship, and concerning a certain Jesus who is dead, whom Paul affirmed to be living.

Context

After noting the lack of criminal charges (verse 18), Festus identifies the real dispute. This prepares for his confession in verse 20 that he was perplexed about investigating such matters and therefore proposed Jerusalem as the venue. Paul’s appeal to the emperor (verse 21) then fixed the case for Rome. Understanding that the issue centers on Jesus’ resurrection explains both Jewish opposition and Paul’s unwavering defense. It also readies Agrippa, versed in Jewish belief, to assess Paul’s claims when he hears him in the next chapter.

v.18Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such evil things as I supposed;

v.19This passage

v.20And I, being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 18:15

    but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; I am not minded to be a judge of these matters.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:14

    and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your faith also is vain.

  • Revelation 1:18

    and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

  • Acts 1:22

    beginning from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us, of these must one become a witness with us of his resurrection.

  • Acts 17:22

    And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very religious.

  • Acts 23:29

    whom I found to be accused about questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

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