Devine Scripture

Acts 25:7

What does Acts 25:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 25:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 25:7 means

The Jewish accusers surround Paul, presenting many serious charges they cannot substantiate. The scene is tense: a ring of hostility around a solitary defendant. Yet their lack of proof speaks loudly. Accusation, however passionate, is not the same as evidence. The gospel often draws fierce opposition, but falsehood eventually exposes itself when examined. Luke highlights the contrast between noise and substance, reminding readers that God’s truth can endure scrutiny. In a Roman court, the burden is on the accusers, and here they fail. This failure does not end their hostility, but it shapes what comes next: Paul’s clear denial and Festus’ political calculation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he came, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem came round him, and made all sorts of serious statements against him, which were not supported by the facts.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he having come, there stood round about the Jews who have come down from Jerusalem--many and weighty charges they are bringing against Paul, which they were not able to prove,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who being brought, the Jews stood about him, who were come down from Jerusalem, objecting many and grievious causes, which they could not prove:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he was come, the Jews who were come down from Jerusalem stood round, bringing many and grievous charges which they were not able to prove:

Context

The formal hearing has begun (verse 6). As the accusers flood the court with charges (verse 7), the stage is set for Paul’s defense (verse 8). The inability to prove allegations is critical because it frames the matter as unworthy of capital punishment. Nevertheless, Festus wants to placate the Jewish leaders, leading him to propose a Jerusalem venue (verse 9). That suggestion triggers Paul’s decisive appeal to Cæsar (verses 10–11). Recognizing the hollowness of the charges explains both Paul’s confidence and Festus’ awkward position between justice and political favor.

v.6And when he had tarried among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down unto Cæsarea; and on the morrow he sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded Paul to be brought.

v.7This passage

v.8while Paul said in his defence, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Cæsar, have I sinned at all.

Cross references

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

  • Ezra 4:15

    that search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste.

  • Acts 25:24

    And Festus saith, King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, ye behold this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews made suit to me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

  • Esther 3:8

    And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from those of every people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.

  • 1 Peter 4:14

    If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

  • Luke 23:2

    And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.

  • Psalms 35:11

    Unrighteous witnesses rise up; They ask me of things that I know not.

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