24:27 24:27

Acts 25:1

25:2 25:2

Bible Versions

¶ Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
Now {G3767} when Festus {G5347} was come {G1910} into the province {G1885}, after {G3326} three {G5140} days {G2250} he ascended {G305} from {G575} Caesarea {G2542} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}.
Three days after Festus had entered the province, he went up from Caesarea to Yerushalayim.
Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,
Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Cæsarea.

Context of Acts 25:1

This verse marks a significant transition in the narrative of the Apostle Paul's imprisonment and trials. It introduces Porcius Festus, the new Roman procurator (governor) of Judea, who has just arrived to succeed his predecessor, Felix. Festus's immediate action, after only three days in the province, is to travel from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Caesarea Maritima served as the Roman administrative capital of Judea, and it was here that Paul had been held under house arrest for two years under Felix. Jerusalem, on the other hand, was the traditional Jewish capital and the religious center, where the Jewish high priests and Sanhedrin were based and where Paul's accusers were most eager to see him condemned. Festus's prompt journey to Jerusalem highlights his intention to quickly engage with the Jewish leadership and establish his authority in the region.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Transition of Authority: The arrival of Festus signifies a change in Roman governance, which will inevitably impact Paul's case. New leadership often brings new perspectives and procedures.
  • Roman Administration: The verse illustrates the practicalities of Roman provincial rule. Governors were expected to visit key cities, especially Jerusalem, to consolidate power, address local concerns, and handle legal matters.
  • Strategic Movement: Festus's swift ascent from Caesarea to Jerusalem was a calculated move. It allowed him to quickly meet with the influential Jewish leaders who had been pressing charges against Paul, setting the stage for the next phase of Paul's trials.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "was come into the province" simply indicates Festus's arrival and assumption of duties in the Roman province of Judea. The detail "after three days" emphasizes his administrative efficiency and perhaps his eagerness to address the pressing issues of his new post, including the unresolved case of Paul. The term "ascended" (ἀναβαίνω - anabainō) is fitting, as Jerusalem is geographically higher than Caesarea.

Practical Application and Reflection

Even seemingly mundane administrative details in scripture often serve a higher purpose within God's overarching plan. Festus's arrival and immediate actions, though driven by Roman political and administrative concerns, were instrumental in moving Paul's case forward, eventually leading to his appeal to Caesar and his journey to Rome. This shows how God uses various authorities and circumstances to achieve His purposes, even through the shifting tides of human governance. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and transitions, orchestrating events for the spread of the Gospel, as seen in Romans 13:1, where all authority is from God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 23:34

    And when the governor had read [the letter], he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that [he was] of Cilicia;

  • Acts 18:22

    And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

  • Acts 8:40

    But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

  • 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.

  • Acts 21:15

    ¶ And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
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