Acts 25:27
What does Acts 25:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:27 means
Festus concludes that it is unreasonable to send a prisoner without indicating the charges. This is common sense and good administration, yet it carries an irony: despite the clamor for Paul’s death, no clear accusation stands. The gospel is not a crime under Roman law. The governor’s concern highlights how the case has revealed more about Paul’s opponents than about Paul. God ensures that His servant is not condemned in a corner, and that when he goes to Rome, the issue will be plainly framed. The stage is now set for Paul’s testimony to ring out before kings and, soon, in the imperial city.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For it seemeth to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not withal to signify the charges against him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For it seemeth to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not withal to signify the charges against him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For it seems to me against reason to send a prisoner without making clear what there is against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for it doth seem to me irrational, sending a prisoner, not also to signify the charges against him.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to signify the things laid to his charge.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for it seems to me senseless, sending a prisoner, not also to signify the charges against him.
Context
This final verse closes Festus’ introduction to the hearing before Agrippa. Having acknowledged public outcry (verse 24), lack of capital guilt (verse 25), and the absence of clear charges (verse 26), he states the obvious need for specificity. The next chapter will provide Agrippa’s permission for Paul to speak at length, fulfilling the purpose of this gathering. The flow from Jerusalem’s plots to Cæsarea’s courtrooms has now brought the matter into a royal hall, from which it will proceed toward Rome according to Paul’s appeal.
v.26Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I may have somewhat to write.
v.27This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 7:51
Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth?
- Proverbs 18:13
He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
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