Acts 25 27

Acts 25:27 kjv

For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

Acts 25:27 nkjv

For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him."

Acts 25:27 niv

For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him."

Acts 25:27 esv

For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him."

Acts 25:27 nlt

For it makes no sense to send a prisoner to the emperor without specifying the charges against him!"

Acts 25 verses

Acts 25 27 Meaning

Acts 25:27 conveys Roman governor Festus's realization that it would be irrational and improper to send a prisoner, specifically a Roman citizen like Paul, to Caesar without clearly stating the charges against him. Festus understood that such an action would be legally unsound, reflect poorly on his administration, and violate established Roman legal procedures, particularly given Paul's appeal to the emperor. He seeks a coherent accusation to present to the supreme court.

Acts 25 27 Context

Acts 25:27 concludes the discourse by Governor Festus before King Agrippa II and Bernice. Festus had recently arrived in Caesarea, succeeding Felix as governor. Immediately, Jewish leaders presented their charges against Paul, urging Festus to transfer him to Jerusalem. Festus, however, insisted that Paul face his accusers in Caesarea. Upon finding no substance to the Jewish claims that would warrant a capital offense or imprisonment by Roman law, and despite his attempt to appease the Jews, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11). This appeal meant Paul would be sent to Rome. Festus now found himself in a predicament: he had a high-profile prisoner, a Roman citizen who appealed to the Emperor, yet Festus could not formulate a clear, legally admissible charge. He convened this meeting with Agrippa and Bernice, who were knowledgeable in Jewish customs, hoping they could help him articulate a case for the Emperor, as it was considered "unreasonable" to send a prisoner to the highest Roman authority without specific, documented accusations. This verse underlines the legal dilemma Festus faced and his attempt to uphold Roman administrative protocol, even if it meant seeking advice from non-Roman officials like Agrippa.

Acts 25 27 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This Greek conjunction is explanatory, indicating that what follows is the reason or justification for a previous statement or action. Here, it explains why Festus felt the need for a formal hearing, revealing his underlying legal concern.
• it seems (δοκεῖ - dokei): An impersonal verb, "it appears," "it seems good to me." It expresses Festus's subjective but well-reasoned opinion, not a definitive, universally binding truth, but his considered judgment from a Roman legal perspective.
• to me (μοι - moi): The dative case personal pronoun, emphasizing the personal nature of Festus's reflection. This is his professional assessment as the Roman governor.
• unreasonable (ἄλογον - alogon): (Transliteration: alogon, meaning: "without reason," "irrational," "absurd," "illogical," "improper"). This term denotes a lack of logical or rational basis, specifically in a legal context, it implies a departure from expected, just, and proper procedure. For a Roman governor, it meant failing to meet the minimum standards of administrative competence when dealing with imperial legal processes. It's not just "not logical," but "improper."
• in sending (πέμποντα - pemponta): (Transliteration: pemponta, participle of pempo meaning "to send"). This present participle describes the action of sending a prisoner to Rome. The continuous aspect implies the act of arranging and executing the transport.
• a prisoner (δέσμιον - desmion): (Transliteration: desmion, meaning: "one who is bound," "a captive," "a prisoner"). This emphasizes Paul's legal status as an arrested individual held in custody, awaiting trial or disposition. The term signifies a person subject to Roman authority and legal process.
• not to indicate (μὴ...σημᾶναι - mē...sēmanai):
  • not (μή - mē): This negative particle negates the infinitive, highlighting the failure or absence of an action.
  • to indicate (σημᾶναι - sēmanai): (Transliteration: sēmanai, infinitive of sēmainō meaning "to signify," "to declare," "to make known," "to report formally"). This refers to the official declaration or statement of charges. In a legal sense, it implies presenting a formal accusation document.
• also (καί - kai): The conjunction "and," or "also." It means "in addition to" sending the prisoner, one must also include the charges. It's an expected part of the procedure.
• the charges (αἰτίας - aitias): (Transliteration: aitias, plural of aitia meaning "cause," "reason," "charge," "accusation"). This crucial word refers to the formal accusations, the legal reasons for which a person is being held and tried. Festus lacked these for Paul, hence his predicament.
• against him (κατ' αὐτοῦ - kat' autou): "Against him," clearly specifying that these charges must be formally lodged against Paul personally. This phrase clearly identifies the subject of the accusations.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For it seems to me unreasonable": This phrase establishes Festus's internal conviction about the impropriety of the situation. It highlights a pragmatic and legally conscious ruler. He doesn't act purely on impulse or desire for political expediency here, but adheres to a perceived standard of logic and justice.
• "in sending a prisoner": This specifies the action Festus is about to take – sending Paul to Caesar. It underlines Paul's status, not as a condemned criminal, but as someone under imperial jurisdiction due to his appeal.
• "not to indicate also the charges against him": This is the core problem statement. It signifies a profound procedural lapse. Roman law required explicit documentation of offenses for an accused citizen, especially when being sent to the emperor for judgment. The lack of formal, written charges would imply either incompetence on Festus's part or a complete failure to find any actual crime committed by Paul. This absence would also weaken Caesar's ability to adjudicate fairly.

Acts 25 27 Bonus section

• Roman Judicial Protocol: This verse underscores the professionalism expected within the Roman provincial administration regarding legal matters, particularly when involving a Roman citizen appealing to the Emperor (appellatio ad Caesarem). The charges had to be formally drawn up, allowing the Emperor to understand the basis of the case without having to re-examine all witnesses.
• Festus's Self-Preservation: While appearing concerned with justice, Festus's primary motivation was also likely self-preservation and upholding his reputation. Presenting an "empty" case to the Emperor could lead to his own recall or reprimand, as it would indicate a failure to properly handle provincial judicial affairs. This reflects the accountability within the Roman imperial system.
• Polemics against Arbitrariness: Although not a direct polemic, the emphasis on formal charges implicitly contrasts with arbitrary accusations or trials without due process (like some religious accusations or mob justice). The Roman system, in principle, sought to avoid such arbitrary decisions, which would be seen as alogon.
• God's Providence: From a Christian perspective, this "unreasonableness" from Festus's viewpoint is part of God's overarching plan to bring Paul to Rome (Acts 23:11) under imperial protection, where he would bear witness to Christ (Acts 28:30-31), ultimately fulfilling a divine purpose through secular administrative processes.

Acts 25 27 Commentary

Acts 25:27 reveals Festus's commitment to basic Roman legal principles, or at least to maintaining administrative competence. While he may have initially been willing to accommodate the Jews, Paul's appeal to Caesar elevated the case to an imperial level, demanding adherence to proper protocol. Festus understood that to dispatch a Roman citizen, accused of potentially serious crimes, to the Emperor without clear, documented accusations would be a significant professional misstep. It would essentially be sending an "empty package" to Caesar, making him look indecisive and incompetent. This verse highlights the tension between political appeasement and judicial integrity. It is ironic that Paul, unjustly persecuted by his own people, ultimately finds a degree of due process within the Roman legal system, even if through a reluctant administrator. The core message is that justice, even if delayed, necessitates clear charges and reasons, preventing arbitrary arrests or judgments, reflecting God's order for due process and fairness (cf. Dt 19:15; Prov 18:17).Example: If a police chief were to send a suspect to federal court without filing an arrest warrant detailing the charges, it would be "unreasonable" and unacceptable, reflecting poorly on their jurisdiction and inviting judicial dismissal.