Devine Scripture

Acts 25:20

What does Acts 25:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 25:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 25:20 means

Festus admits he was at a loss about how to investigate disputes of this kind. Being a Roman official, he lacked categories for adjudicating theological claims. His solution was to ask whether Paul would consent to be tried in Jerusalem about these matters. On the surface, it seems reasonable to return a religious case to its religious center. But given the hostility there, it risked injustice. The verse reveals both Festus’ practical limitations and his political instincts. God will use Paul’s refusal and legal appeal to keep the case under imperial protection and to move the gospel toward Rome.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And as I had not enough knowledge for the discussion of these things, I made the suggestion to him to go to Jerusalem and be judged there.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I, doubting in regard to the question concerning this, said, If he would wish to go on to Jerusalem, and there to be judged concerning these things--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I therefore being in a doubt of this manner of question, asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as I myself was at a loss as to an inquiry into these things, I said, Was he willing to go to Jerusalem and there to be judged concerning these things?

Context

Following his identification of the issue as religious and centered on Jesus (verse 19), Festus explains his attempted venue change due to perplexity. The narrative has already recorded that this suggestion aligned with a desire to favor the Jews (verse 9). In verse 21 he summarizes Paul’s appeal to the emperor, which bound his hands to send Paul to Cæsar. This explanation readies Agrippa to understand why Paul remains in custody and why a further hearing might help Festus compose a report for Rome.

v.19but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

v.20This passage

v.21But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept till I should send him to Cæsar.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 25:9

    But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

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