Acts 25:2
What does Acts 25:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:2 means
The chief priests and leading Jewish figures waste no time informing Festus about Paul and pressing their case. Their opposition remains intense after years, revealing that this is not a passing controversy. The stated request sounds like a legal complaint, but the passion behind it points to deeper spiritual resistance to the gospel Paul proclaims. Political leaders come and go, but their hostility persists. Even so, by bringing their accusations into the Roman system, they involuntarily place Paul under protections of Roman procedure. God often overrules adversaries so their attempts to harm His servants become the means of preserving and advancing His work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the chief priests and the chief men of the Jews made statements against Paul,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the chief priest and the principal men of the Jews made manifest to him <FI>the things<Fi> against Paul, and were calling on him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the chief priests and principal men of the Jews went unto him against Paul: and they besought him,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the chief priests and the chief of the Jews laid informations before him against Paul, and besought him,
Context
Festus has just arrived and is meeting Jerusalem’s elite. The leaders immediately raise Paul’s case, showing its priority for them. In the next verse, their true intent is exposed—a plot to kill Paul under cover of legal process. Festus, new to the situation, must balance relationships with these powerful figures and the demands of Roman law. His response in verses 4–5 keeps jurisdiction at Cæsarea and invites a proper hearing. This framing is crucial as it prevents an ambush and sets up the formal proceedings that follow in Cæsarea, where Paul will again defend himself.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 3:12
They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not so much as one:
- Proverbs 4:16
For they sleep not, except they do evil; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
- Acts 25:15
about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for sentence against him.
- 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.
- Job 31:31
If the men of my tent have not said, Who can find one that hath not been filled with his meat?
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