King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
Complete Jewish Bible:
My answer to them was that it is not the custom with Romans to give up an accused man just to grant a favor, before he has met his accusers face to face and had the opportunity to defend himself against the charge.
Berean Standard Bible:
I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.
American Standard Version:
To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
To{G4314} whom{G3739} I answered{G611},{G3754} It is{G2076} not{G3756} the manner{G1485} of the Romans{G4514} to deliver{G5483} any{G5100} man{G444} to{G1519} die{G684}, before{G4250} that{G2228} he which is accused{G2723} have{G2192} the accusers{G2725} face to face{G2596}{G4383},{G5037} and have{G2983} licence{G5117} to answer for himself{G627} concerning{G4012} the crime laid against him{G1462}.
Cross-References (KJV):
John 7:51
- Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
Deuteronomy 19:17
- Then both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
Deuteronomy 19:18
- And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, [if] the witness [be] a false witness, [and] hath testified falsely against his brother;
Acts 23:30
- And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what [they had] against him. Farewell.
Proverbs 18:17
- ¶ [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Acts 25:4
- But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly [thither].
Acts 25:5
- Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with [me], and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Acts 25:16
Acts 25:16 is a verse that captures a declaration made by Porcius Festus, the Roman governor of Judea, in the presence of King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice. The historical context of this verse is set during the latter part of the first century, around 59-60 AD, when the early Christian church was spreading and facing various challenges, including legal trials and persecution.
In this verse, Festus is explaining his decision-making process regarding the apostle Paul, who had been imprisoned in Caesarea for two years under Festus's predecessor, Felix. Paul, a Roman citizen, had appealed to Caesar after being accused by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem of teaching against the Law and defiling the Temple. Festus, in accordance with Roman law, acknowledges the right of an accused to face his accusers and to respond to the charges brought against him. This principle reflects the Roman legal system's emphasis on justice and due process, which included the opportunity for the accused to defend themselves in a formal trial.
The themes present in this verse include the rule of law, the rights of the accused, and the fair administration of justice. It highlights the contrast between Roman jurisprudence, which valued legal procedure and the rights of its citizens, and the arbitrary or expedient justice that might be sought by local authorities or factions. Festus's statement underscores the protections afforded to Paul as a Roman citizen, which ultimately led to his appearance before the emperor in Rome, thus fulfilling Paul's mission to bring the message of Christ to the heart of the empire.
This verse also serves as a narrative device within the book of Acts, moving the plot forward by setting the stage for Paul's journey to Rome, where he would continue to spread the Gospel and face further trials, as recorded in the subsequent chapters of Acts and in the tradition of early Christian history.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G4314
There are 674 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πρός
Transliteration: prós
Pronunciation: pros
Description: a strengthened form of πρό; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated):--about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at. - Strong's Number: G3739
There are 1215 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅς
Transliteration: hós
Pronunciation: ho
Description: probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article ὁ); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also οὗ. - Strong's Number: G611
There are 248 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀποκρίνομαι
Transliteration: apokrínomai
Pronunciation: ap-ok-ree'-nom-ahee
Description: from ἀπό and ; to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare עָנָה) to begin to speak (where an address is expected):--answer. - Strong's Number: G3754
There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅτι
Transliteration: hóti
Pronunciation: hot'-ee
Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why. - Strong's Number: G2076
There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐστί
Transliteration: estí
Pronunciation: es-tee'
Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle. - Strong's Number: G3756
There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὐ
Transliteration: ou
Pronunciation: ookh
Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος. - Strong's Number: G1485
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔθος
Transliteration: éthos
Pronunciation: eth'-os
Description: from ἔθω; a usage (prescribed by habit or law):--custom, manner, be wont. - Strong's Number: G4514
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Ῥωμαῖος
Transliteration: Rhōmaîos
Pronunciation: hro-mah'-yos
Description: from Ῥώμη; Romæan, i.e. Roman (as noun):--Roman, of Rome. - Strong's Number: G5483
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: χαρίζομαι
Transliteration: charízomai
Pronunciation: khar-id'-zom-ahee
Description: middle voice from χάρις; to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue:--deliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant. - Strong's Number: G5100
There are 419 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τὶς
Transliteration: tìs
Pronunciation: tis
Description: an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:--a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever). - Strong's Number: G444
There are 614 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἄνθρωπος
Transliteration: ánthrōpos
Pronunciation: anth'-ro-pos
Description: from ἀνήρ and (the countenance; from ὀπτάνομαι); man-faced, i.e. a human being:--certain, man. - Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). - Strong's Number: G684
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀπώλεια
Transliteration: apṓleia
Pronunciation: ap-o'-li-a
Description: from a presumed derivative of ἀπόλλυμι; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal):--damnable(-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste. - Strong's Number: G4250
There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πρίν
Transliteration: prín
Pronunciation: prin
Description: adverb from πρό; prior, sooner:--before (that), ere. - Strong's Number: G2228
There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἤ
Transliteration: ḗ
Pronunciation: ay
Description: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:--and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially ἤδη, ἤπερ, ἤτοι. - Strong's Number: G2723
There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κατηγορέω
Transliteration: katēgoréō
Pronunciation: kat-ay-gor-eh'-o
Description: from κατήγορος; to be a plaintiff, i.e. to charge with some offence:--accuse, object. - Strong's Number: G2192
There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔχω
Transliteration: échō
Pronunciation: skheh'-o
Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use. - Strong's Number: G2725
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κατήγορος
Transliteration: katḗgoros
Pronunciation: kat-ay'-gor-os
Description: from κατά and ἀγορά; against one in the assembly, i.e. a complainant at law; specially, Satan:--accuser. - Strong's Number: G2596
There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κατά
Transliteration: katá
Pronunciation: kat-ah'
Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity. - Strong's Number: G4383
There are 73 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πρόσωπον
Transliteration: prósōpon
Pronunciation: pros'-o-pon
Description: from πρός and (the visage, from ὀπτάνομαι); the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person:--(outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men's) person, presence. - Strong's Number: G5037
There are 192 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τέ
Transliteration: té
Pronunciation: teh
Description: a primary particle (enclitic) of connection or addition; both or also (properly, as correlation of καί):--also, and, both, even, then, whether. Often used in composition, usually as the latter participle. - Strong's Number: G2983
There are 248 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λαμβάνω
Transliteration: lambánō
Pronunciation: lam-ban'-o
Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas δέχομαι is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while αἱρέομαι is more violent, to seize or remove)):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up). - Strong's Number: G5117
There are 88 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τόπος
Transliteration: tópos
Pronunciation: top'-os
Description: apparently a primary word; a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas χώρα is a large but participle locality), i.e. location (as a position, home, tract, etc.); figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard:--coast, licence, place, X plain, quarter, + rock, room, where. - Strong's Number: G627
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀπολογία
Transliteration: apología
Pronunciation: ap-ol-og-ee'-ah
Description: from the same as ἀπολογέομαι; a plea ("apology"):--answer (for self), clearing of self, defence. - Strong's Number: G4012
There are 304 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: περί
Transliteration: perí
Pronunciation: per-ee'
Description: from the base of πέραν; properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period):--(there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with. In comparative, it retains substantially the same meaning of circuit (around), excess (beyond), or completeness (through). - Strong's Number: G1462
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔγκλημα
Transliteration: énklēma
Pronunciation: eng'-klay-mah
Description: from ἐγκαλέω; an accusation, i.e. offence alleged:--crime laid against, laid to charge.