Acts 25:4
What does Acts 25:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:4 means
Festus replies that Paul is being held in Cæsarea and that he himself will soon return there. Without knowing of the ambush, he nevertheless blocks it by maintaining proper jurisdiction. This shows a governor guided by Roman administrative norms rather than by the passions of local politics. Paul’s safety here rests not on favoritism but on lawful procedure. God often preserves His servants through just processes, even when pagans administer them. Festus’ answer begins to define the contours of the case: it is a Roman matter to be tried in a Roman seat, not a grievance to be settled by mob pressure or backroom deals.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Howbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Cæsarea, and that he himself was about to depart thither shortly.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Howbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Cæsarea, and that he himself was about to depart thither shortly.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Festus, in answer, said that Paul was being kept in prison at Caesarea, and that in a short time he himself was going there.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then, indeed, Festus answered that Paul is kept in Caesarea, and himself is about speedily to go on thither,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But Festus answered: That Paul was kept in Caesarea: and that he himself would very shortly depart thither.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Festus therefore answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to set out shortly.
Context
This response comes directly after the leaders’ request to transfer Paul to Jerusalem. By affirming that Paul remains in Cæsarea and that he will soon return there, Festus unintentionally frustrates their plot. The narrative will continue with Festus inviting qualified accusers to come to Cæsarea (verse 5), ensuring an official hearing. The frame matters because it keeps the proceedings within imperial oversight, leading to Paul’s formal defense and eventual appeal. Instead of a road ambush, the case moves to a courtroom, where the insufficiency of the accusations becomes apparent and the path to Rome begins to open.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 24:23
And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.
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