Acts 25:14

KJV

And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G5613} they had been {G1304} there {G1563} many {G4119} days {G2250}, Festus {G5347} declared {G394} Paul's {G3972} cause {G2596} unto the king {G935}, saying {G3004}, There is {G2076} a certain {G5100} man {G435} left {G2641} in bonds {G1198} by {G5259} Felix {G5344}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Since they were staying on there for some time, Festus had the opportunity to acquaint the king with Sha’ul’s situation. “There is a man here,” he said, “who was left behind in custody by Felix.

Berean Standard Bible

Since they were staying several days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king: “There is a certain man whom Felix left in prison.

American Standard Version

And as they tarried there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:14 introduces a crucial development in the Apostle Paul's protracted legal ordeal, as the newly appointed Roman governor, Porcius Festus, finds himself confronting the inherited case of Paul, a prisoner left by his predecessor, Felix. This verse captures Festus's initiative to formally present Paul's situation to King Agrippa II, seeking counsel and a path forward for a case that had already languished for an extended period, thus setting the stage for Paul's subsequent powerful testimonies before high-ranking officials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 25 opens with Festus's arrival in Caesarea, three days after taking office, and his immediate encounter with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem who renew their accusations against Paul and plot to ambush him. Festus, however, insists on a proper trial in Caesarea. After an initial hearing where Paul again asserts his innocence and appeals to Caesar ([Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Paul's Appeal to Caesar")), Festus is left in a quandary, unsure how to proceed with a prisoner who has appealed to the highest Roman authority but whose "crimes" are purely religious in nature. It is into this legal and political impasse that King Agrippa II and Bernice arrive, providing Festus with a seemingly providential opportunity to offload the complexities of Paul's case onto someone more familiar with Jewish customs and religious disputes. This verse, therefore, serves as a bridge, transitioning from Festus's initial assessment of the case to the dramatic hearings before Agrippa.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's imprisonment under Felix had lasted two years ([Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Felix Leaves Paul in Prison")), a significant duration that highlights the often slow and politically motivated nature of Roman provincial justice. Governors like Felix and Festus were keen to maintain peace and curry favor with local populations, especially the influential Jewish Sanhedrin, which often meant delaying or compromising justice for accused individuals like Paul. King Agrippa II, a descendant of Herod the Great, ruled over territories north of Galilee and was appointed by Rome. He and his sister Bernice were Jewish by heritage and well-versed in Jewish law and customs, making Agrippa an ideal consultant for Festus, who, as a Roman, would have found the nuances of Jewish religious disputes perplexing. Festus's declaration to Agrippa was not merely casual conversation but a formal "laying out" of the facts, a common practice for Roman officials seeking expert advice on complex local matters.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts. It underscores the **perseverance of the Gospel** despite immense opposition and personal suffering, as Paul remains steadfast even in prolonged imprisonment. It further illustrates the **divine sovereignty** at work, as God orchestrates circumstances—even the change of governors and the visit of a king—to ensure Paul's testimony reaches the highest echelons of power, fulfilling the prophetic word given about Paul's mission to bear Christ's name before "kings" ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "God's Call for Paul to Witness to Kings")). Moreover, it highlights the **clash between Roman law and Jewish religious tradition**, a recurring tension throughout Paul's trials, where Roman authorities struggle to comprehend charges rooted in theological disputes rather than civil crimes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **declared (Greek, _anatíthemai'_):** From G394, meaning "to set forth (for oneself), i.e. propound." Festus did not merely mention Paul's situation but formally presented the facts of the case to Agrippa, submitting it for his consideration and advice. This implies a structured, deliberate presentation, seeking an informed opinion on how to handle the complex legal and religious aspects of Paul's appeal to Caesar.
* **left (Greek, _kataleípō'_):** From G2641, meaning "to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining." This word emphasizes the continuity of Paul's imprisonment from Felix's governorship to Festus's. Paul was not released but was "left behind" as an unresolved issue, a burden inherited by the new governor. It underscores the injustice of Paul's prolonged detention without a clear verdict.
* **bonds (Greek, _désmios'_):** From G1198, meaning "a captive (as bound), prisoner." This term directly refers to Paul's physical state of being imprisoned, literally "bound." It highlights his status as a prisoner, emphasizing the physical confinement and legal restriction he was under. The word evokes the reality of his suffering and the limitations placed upon him, even as God continued to use his circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had been there many days,"**: This opening clause establishes the passage of time. Festus and his retinue, along with Agrippa and Bernice, had been in Caesarea for a significant period. This implies that Festus had had ample time to settle into his new role and become acquainted with the various administrative and judicial matters, including Paul's case, before bringing it to Agrippa's attention. The "many days" suggest a deliberate, rather than hasty, decision to consult the king.
* **"Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king,"**: This is the central action of the verse. Festus, as the new governor, formally "declared" or "laid out" Paul's case to King Agrippa II. This was not a casual conversation but a formal briefing, indicating the gravity and complexity of Paul's situation. Festus recognized Agrippa's unique position and knowledge of Jewish affairs, making him an invaluable consultant for a Roman governor grappling with a religiously charged legal dilemma.
* **"saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:"**: Festus's direct statement to Agrippa immediately identifies Paul and his status. The phrase "left in bonds by Felix" succinctly summarizes the historical context: Paul was an inherited prisoner, held by the previous governor for an extended period without resolution. This highlights the unresolved nature of Paul's case and Festus's predicament, as he inherited a prisoner whose appeal to Caesar required careful handling, especially given the lack of clear criminal charges from a Roman perspective.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Transition**, marking a shift from Festus's initial administrative actions to a new phase involving King Agrippa II, setting the stage for Paul's most significant testimonies. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Festus's declaration directly precipitates Paul's appearance before Agrippa, fulfilling the prophetic word that Paul would bear witness before kings. The phrase "left in bonds by Felix" uses **Conciseness** to convey a significant amount of background information—Paul's prolonged imprisonment and the political inheritance of his case—in a brief, impactful statement. Finally, the situation presents a subtle **Irony**: Paul, a prisoner, is the subject of high-level political and judicial discussion, underscoring the profound impact of his ministry and the perceived threat he posed to the Jewish authorities, even from behind bars.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:14 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even amidst human bureaucracy and injustice. Paul's prolonged imprisonment, far from hindering the Gospel, became a strategic platform for its advancement. Festus's need for counsel, and Agrippa's subsequent interest, were divinely orchestrated opportunities for Paul to bear witness to the highest echelons of Roman and Jewish authority. This demonstrates that God can use seemingly negative circumstances—like unjust detention—to further His redemptive purposes, turning what appears to be a setback into a stepping stone for the Gospel's spread. It reinforces the theme that no human power, political machination, or physical confinement can ultimately thwart God's plan for His kingdom.

* [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "God's Commission for Paul to Witness to Kings and Gentiles")
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")
* [2 Timothy 2:9](/2_timothy/2-9 "The Word of God is Not Chained")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 25:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Paul's situation reminds us that faithfulness to Christ can lead to unexpected and often difficult circumstances, including unjust suffering or prolonged periods of waiting. Yet, it is precisely within these periods of apparent stagnation or confinement that God often prepares new avenues for His work. Just as Paul's "bonds" became a platform for witness, our own trials or limitations can be transformed into opportunities for God's glory if we maintain a posture of trust and obedience. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and to discern God's larger purposes, understanding that even the mundane or frustrating aspects of life can be part of His grand design to advance His kingdom. It calls us to patience, resilience, and an unwavering faith that God is always at work, even when we cannot see the full picture.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when you feel "left in bonds" by circumstances, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual?**
* **In what ways might God be using your current limitations or challenges to open new doors for witness or personal growth?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and sovereignty, even when His plans unfold slowly or through unexpected means?**

### FAQ

**Why did Festus declare Paul's cause to King Agrippa?**

Answer: Festus declared Paul's cause to King Agrippa because he inherited a complex and politically sensitive case from his predecessor, Felix, and was unsure how to proceed. Paul, a Roman citizen, had appealed to Caesar ([Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Paul's Appeal to Caesar")), but the charges against him were primarily religious in nature, concerning Jewish law and beliefs, particularly the resurrection ([Acts 25:19](/acts/25-19 "Festus's Summary of Charges to Agrippa")). As a Roman governor, Festus was not well-versed in these Jewish customs. King Agrippa II, however, was Jewish by heritage and had a deep understanding of Jewish law and traditions. Festus sought Agrippa's expert opinion and advice to help him formulate a proper report to send to Caesar, as it was inappropriate to send a prisoner to the emperor without clear charges.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:14, depicting Paul as a prisoner whose cause is "declared" before a king, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate declaration of the Gospel through the suffering and exaltation of Christ. Paul's "bonds" for the sake of the Gospel echo the voluntary self-limitation and suffering of Jesus, who, though divine, took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Just as Paul's imprisonment ultimately led him to bear witness before kings and emperors, so too did Christ's "bonds" on the cross lead to His ultimate exaltation, where He was declared Lord of all, a truth now proclaimed to "kings" and all nations through the Church ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Christ")). Paul's enduring witness in chains, empowered by the Spirit, is a testament to the fact that the Word of God is not chained ([2 Timothy 2:9](/2_timothy/2-9 "The Word of God is Not Chained")), but rather, through the suffering of His servants, the message of the crucified and risen King continues to advance, conquering hearts and establishing His eternal kingdom. This narrative reminds us that Christ Himself, the "Lamb of God," was "left" in the hands of His accusers, ultimately to be delivered up for the sins of the world, thereby securing our freedom and empowering His followers to boldly declare His cause before a watching world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of 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.

Cross-References

Acts 24:27

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.