Acts 25

1. Festus. Festus succeeded Felix probably about the summer or autumn of A.D. 60; and died in office, A.D. 62. He was upon the whole an upright governor.

2 high priest. Some scholars read “high priests.” If “high priest” is retained, the reference is to Ismael, who succeeded Ananias.

5. Let them therefore, etc. Better perhaps, “Let those of you who can” (Gr. οἱ δυνατοὶ ἐν ὑμῖν).

6 more than ten days. Other authorities have “not more than eight or ten days” (so Luther’s version).

7 complaints. R.V., “charges”; i.e., heresy, impiety, and sedition, as xxiv. 5, 6: replied to by Paul in a different order.

8 neither against the law of the Jews, etc. This is a summary of Paul’s reply, on a full hearing before Festus, to the three accusations.

9 to do the Jews a pleasure. See on xxiv. 27.

before me. Meaning probably, “in my presence”; but by the Sanhedrin, and according to Jewish law. Paul, however, seeing that Festus is inclined to yield to the Jews, and knowing that he could not expect justice at Jerusalem, insists on his right to be tried as a Roman citizen (10); and as a last resource appeals to the emperor.

11 offender. Or, “wrong-doer,” R.V.

12 council. Roman governors had a council of assessors appointed to aid them in dispensing justice.

Hast thou appealed, etc.? Better, “Thou hast appealed unto Cæsar.”

unto Cæsar shalt thou go. Thus fulfilling both Paul’s desire (xix. 21), and the Lord’s promise (xxiii. 11).

13. Agrippa. The son of Herod Agrippa I, mentioned in ch. xii. At his father’s death Judæa was put under a Roman governor; but he afterwards received the kingdoms of his uncles, Herod of Chalcis, and Philip, with some additions. He was now living, it was believed, in incest with his sister Bernice; who was afterwards connected with Vespasian and Titus. He was professedly a believer in Judaism, but adhered to the Romans in the last Jewish war.

14 when they had been there many days. R.V., “as they tarried there many days”: their visit being a prolonged one.

16 not the manner of the Romans. Emphatic, “of Romans”; implying, “whatever it may be with Jews.”

18 such things as I supposed. See xviii. 14, and note.

19 their own superstition. Rather, of their own religion (R.V.) (ep. xvii. 22, and note). Festus would not be likely to speak disrespectfully of Judaism to Agrippa.

21 the hearing. R.V., “the decision.”

Augustus. That is, Nero. “Augustus” and “Cæsar” had become titles of the Roman emperors.

22. I would. More precisely, “I could wish”; the form being similar to that in Rom. ix. 3.

23 chief captains. Lit., “chiliarchs,” commanders of 1000 men: see on xxi. 31.

24 have dealt with me. “Made suit to me”; or “complained to me.”

26 my lord. i.e., to the sovereign lord. This was a title which had recently been accepted by the emperors.