Acts 25 20

Acts 25:20 kjv

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.

Acts 25:20 nkjv

And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters.

Acts 25:20 niv

I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.

Acts 25:20 esv

Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.

Acts 25:20 nlt

I was at a loss to know how to investigate these things, so I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem.

Acts 25 verses

Acts 25 20 Meaning

This verse records Felix's response to Paul's defense. He acknowledges the matter and the charges. However, he delays judgment. His decision is based on the "inquiry" of Lysias, indicating a need for more information or perhaps a political calculation. The phrase "when Lysias the commander comes down" shows Felix's dependence on external reports and his personal unsuitability to judge on such matters without them. The outcome is an adjournment of the proceedings.

Acts 25 20 Context

Festus, the newly appointed Roman governor, has inherited Paul's case from Felix. The Jewish accusers have renewed their charges against Paul before Festus in Caesarea. Paul has appealed his case to Caesar, as he has the right to do as a Roman citizen. Festus, unfamiliar with the details and wanting to appease the Jewish leadership, initially asks King Agrippa II to hear Paul's case in order to gain a clearer understanding and a proper indictment to send to Rome. This verse captures Festus's current decision regarding the proceeding after some initial hearings or perhaps upon receiving the renewed accusations. He postpones any definitive action pending further information from his predecessor or the procurator.

Acts 25 20 Word analysis

• But (ἀλλά - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast to what might be expected or previously stated.

• when (ὅταν - hotan): A temporal conjunction, indicating a specific time or condition.

• Lysias (Λυσίου - Lysiou): The Greek genitive form of Lysias, the Roman chiliarch (commander of a thousand troops) who rescued Paul from the Jerusalem mob (Acts 23:10, 23).

• the commander (τοῦ χιλιάρχου - tou chiliarchou): The definite article "the" and the genitive case of chiliarchos, meaning "commander of a thousand," referring to Lysias.

• comes down (καταβῇ - katabē): The subjunctive mood of katabainō, meaning "to come down" or "to descend." This implies Lysias is currently located in a higher position or place and is expected to descend to the level of the proceedings in Caesarea.

• I will know (εἰσόμεθα - eisometha): First person plural future indicative of oida, meaning "to know" or "to ascertain." This implies Festus and his officials will gain knowledge.

• the utmost (τὰ ἀκριβέστερα - ta akribestera): The neuter plural accusative of akribestatos, the superlative of akribēs, meaning "most exact," "most accurate," "most precise." This signifies the most accurate and detailed information concerning Paul's case.

• of your matter (περὶ τοῦ πράγματος ὑμῶν - peri tou pragmatos hymōn): "About the matter/case of you (plural)." This refers to the legal or judicial issue presented by the accusers.

• Words group: "when Lysias the commander comes down, I will know the utmost of your matter." This phrase conveys Festus's intent to obtain precise and authoritative information about the charges against Paul from Lysias. It highlights Festus's reliance on Lysias, the one who apprehended Paul, to understand the full extent of the accusations. This demonstrates Festus's lack of immediate comprehensive understanding and his desire for concrete evidence and factual details before making a judgment or deciding on the next course of action. It also reveals a bureaucratic process where reports and accounts from subordinates are crucial for decision-making by higher officials.

Acts 25 20 Bonus section

The phrase "most exact" (ἀκριβέστερα - akribestera) emphasizes the desire for precision and accuracy in legal proceedings. In Roman law, as in many legal systems, the thoroughness of an investigation and the clarity of charges were paramount. Festus’s statement reflects this, suggesting he wants to ensure he has all the facts, presented in the most detailed and accurate manner, before making any pronouncements or forwarding the case to Emperor Nero. This also indirectly validates Paul's previous plea that he had done nothing worthy of death.

Acts 25 20 Commentary

Festus defers judgment. He seeks definitive information from Lysias, the Roman officer who initially arrested Paul. This delay shows Festus is cautious, not wishing to misjudge. It also indicates a reliance on proper procedure and documented evidence, essential for Roman administration of justice. Paul's appeal to Caesar means Festus's decision is ultimately limited; he cannot finalize the case himself but must transmit it to Rome. His statement is an acknowledgment of this limitation and his need for sufficient grounds for that transmission. The situation underscores the complexity of inter-jurisdictional legal processes and the role of specific individuals in providing critical information.