Devine Scripture

Acts 25:22

What does Acts 25:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 25:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 25:22 means

Agrippa expresses a desire to hear Paul himself, and Festus promises that it will happen the next day. Agrippa’s interest stems from his familiarity with Jewish matters and perhaps from curiosity about this controversial prisoner. God opens doors into the hearts and halls of rulers. What Festus views as an administrative problem becomes an opportunity for testimony before a king. The prompt scheduling shows eagerness and ensures a public, official setting. This step will help Festus find language for his report and, more importantly, give Paul a platform to proclaim Christ before those who exercise earthly authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Agrippa said unto Festus, I also could wish to hear the man myself. To-morrow, saith he, thou shalt hear him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Agrippa said unto Festus, I also could wish to hear the man myself. To-morrow, saith he, thou shalt hear him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Agrippa said to Festus, I have a desire to give the man a hearing myself. Tomorrow, he said, you may give him a hearing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Agrippa said unto Festus, `I was wishing also myself to hear the man;' and he said, `To-morrow thou shalt hear him;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Agrippa said to Festus: I would also hear the man, myself. To-morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Agrippa [said] to Festus, I myself also would desire to hear the man. To-morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

Context

After Festus recounts Paul’s appeal (verse 21), Agrippa volunteers to hear the case. This sets the stage for the ceremonial gathering in verse 23, where military and civic leaders are present. Festus will then summarize the situation to all (verses 24–27), asking Agrippa’s help in formulating charges. The narrative is steering toward Paul’s extended defense in the next chapter. Understanding Agrippa’s initiative explains why the hearing occurs and why it is framed not as a trial to convict Paul but as an examination to clarify the nature of the case.

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.

v.22This passage

v.23So on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and they were entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and the principal men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought in.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 21:12

    But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Isaiah 52:15

    so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand.

  • Matthew 10:18

    yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

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