Acts 25 4

Acts 25:4 kjv

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

Acts 25:4 nkjv

But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly.

Acts 25:4 niv

Festus answered, "Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.

Acts 25:4 esv

Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.

Acts 25:4 nlt

But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon.

Acts 25 verses

Acts 25 4 Meaning

Acts 25:4 presents Festus's response to the Jewish leaders' request to transfer Paul from Caesarea to Jerusalem. He declared that Paul was securely held in Caesarea, the provincial capital. Furthermore, Festus stated his own intention to travel to Caesarea imminently. This decision, seemingly an administrative matter, effectively foiled the Jewish plot to ambush and murder Paul en route to Jerusalem, thereby serving a greater divine purpose in protecting the apostle.

Acts 25 4 Context

Acts 25:4 is uttered early in Festus's tenure as governor of Judea, having just replaced Felix (Acts 24:27). Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Jewish high-ranking officials immediately seized the opportunity to renew charges against Paul, who had been imprisoned in Caesarea for two years. Their primary request was not simply for a hearing, but for Paul to be brought back to Jerusalem, secretly planning an ambush to murder him along the treacherous road (Acts 25:3). Festus's reply directly counters this request.

Historically, Roman governors, while typically based in Caesarea Maritima—the provincial capital and primary administrative center—would frequently visit Jerusalem. These visits were crucial for maintaining order, particularly during religious festivals or when dealing with politically sensitive cases involving the Jewish religious council, the Sanhedrin. Festus, as a new governor, would be keen to establish authority and a working relationship with the local leadership, yet his decision here reflects a practical administrative approach while also, unbeknownst to him, aligning with divine providence. Paul, as a Roman citizen, possessed rights that dictated certain procedures, even if these were often challenged or ignored by his accusers.

Acts 25 4 Word analysis

• Festus (Φῆστος - Phestos): The newly appointed Roman procurator of Judea, succeeding Felix. His actions in this chapter reveal his administrative and political character, including his desire to please the Jewish leadership (Acts 25:9).

• however (μὲν οὖν - men oun): A Greek particle conjunction meaning "indeed then," "but now," or "now therefore." Here, it marks a consequential and contrasting response by Festus to the Jewish leaders' demand. It highlights a deliberate statement that sets the subsequent events in motion.

• replied (ἀπεκρίθη - apekrithe): From the verb apokrinomai, meaning "to answer, reply, decide." It suggests a formal, authoritative response given by the governor, not merely a casual comment.

• that Paul (τὸν Παῦλον - ton Paulon): The definite article indicates Paul, the specific prisoner in question. His status as a Roman citizen under Roman custody in the capital city is implied in Festus's response.

• was being kept (τηρεῖσθαι - tereisthai): Passive infinitive of tereo, "to guard, watch over, keep safe." This emphasizes that Paul was under strict Roman protective custody. It implies an established status quo that could not be easily altered without valid legal grounds, suggesting the unreasonableness of the Jewish request for an immediate transfer.

• at Caesarea (ἐν Καισαρίᾳ - en Kaisaria): The Roman capital of the province of Judea. This location was crucial as it represented Roman authority and security, distinct from Jerusalem, the Jewish religious center where hostility against Paul was highest.

• and that he himself (ἑαυτὸν δὲ - heauton de): heauton is the reflexive pronoun "himself," which adds emphasis, indicating Festus's personal decision and plan. de serves as a connective, often meaning "but" or "and," linking this statement to the previous one and sometimes indicating a mild contrast.

• intended to go (μέλλειν ... ἐκπορεύεσθαι - mellein ... ekporeuesthai):

  • mellein (infinitive of mello): "to be about to, intend to, be on the point of." This highlights Festus's present and immediate intention.
  • ekporeuesthai (infinitive of ekporeuomai): "to go out, to proceed forth." Refers to his act of departing or traveling. The combined expression signifies his clear and immediate plan.

• shortly (ἐν τάχει - en tachei): Literally "in quickness" or "with speed." This phrase denotes urgency and immediacy. Festus indicates he will not delay his journey to Caesarea, which means there's no need to bring Paul to Jerusalem first.

• there (εἰς αὐτήν - eis auten): "To it," referring specifically to Caesarea.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Festus, however, replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea": This part of the statement asserts Roman control and procedure. Paul is an official prisoner under the jurisdiction of the provincial capital. Festus uses this factual status as a legal and administrative reason to deny the Jewish request for a transfer to Jerusalem, bypassing the immediate threat.
  • "and that he himself intended to go there shortly": This second part solidifies Festus's refusal while offering an alternative that serves his own administrative convenience and authority. By stating his imminent departure for Caesarea, Festus implicitly assures the Jewish leaders that Paul's case will be addressed soon, but on Roman turf, under Roman rules, and without the perilous journey. This dual declaration completely neutralizes the conspirators' plan.

Acts 25 4 Bonus section

This seemingly straightforward verse illustrates several layers of significance:

• Divine Timing and Obstacles: The timing of Festus's arrival and his subsequent decision perfectly interceded against a well-laid plot. This demonstrates how God can raise or remove obstacles (or human plans) at precisely the right moment to protect His servants and further His kingdom.
• Legal Formalism vs. Malicious Intent: Festus's answer is based on legal and administrative convenience (Paul is held securely in the capital; the governor will soon be there). He likely has no idea that his administrative decision is disrupting a malicious assassination conspiracy, highlighting how God can use even bureaucratic structures to counter evil.
• Consistent Pattern of Protection: This incident echoes previous divine interventions where Paul was protected from plots and dangers (e.g., the plot in Jerusalem in Acts 23, the rescue from the mob in Acts 21). It establishes a continuous theme of God's active safeguarding of Paul's mission until his divinely appointed purpose (reaching Rome) is fulfilled.
• Caesarea's Strategic Role: Caesarea Maritima, as the Roman administrative heart, proves crucial in Paul's journey. Being imprisoned there rather than in Jerusalem ensured he remained under direct Roman law, less susceptible to the immediate and lethal pressures of the Sanhedrin, which likely would have been amplified if he were brought back to the Jewish capital. This geographical distinction directly saved his life.

Acts 25 4 Commentary

Acts 25:4 serves as a pivot point where divine providence works through human authority and administrative routines. Festus, likely motivated by a blend of official protocol and a desire to efficiently manage his new governorship (he's based in Caesarea, the capital), refuses the Jewish leaders' politically charged request. While the text in Acts 25:9 later reveals Festus's intent to "do the Jews a favor," his immediate decision in verse 4 is pragmatic: why bring Paul to Jerusalem when the governor is himself heading to Caesarea? This seemingly ordinary decision of a Roman official, however, carries profound implications. It directly thwarts the assassination plot conceived by Paul's accusers (Acts 25:3), thus protecting Paul and keeping him on the path God had ordained for him – to testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). This verse is a testament to God's unseen hand guiding events and using secular powers to achieve His redemptive purposes, even when the human actors are unaware of their role in the divine narrative. It underscores the protection afforded to God's chosen instruments, ensuring their ministry continues despite fierce opposition.