Acts 25:15

KJV

About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed [me], desiring [to have] judgment against him.

KJV (with Strong's)

About {G4012} whom {G3739}, when {G1096} I {G3450} was {G1096} at {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}, the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} the elders {G4245} of the Jews {G2453} informed {G1718} me, desiring {G154} to have judgment {G1349} against {G2596} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I was in Yerushalayim, the head cohanim and the elders of the Judeans informed me about him and asked me to pronounce judgment against him.

Berean Standard Bible

While I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews presented their case and requested a judgment against him.

American Standard Version

about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for sentence against him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:15 captures the immediate and fervent efforts of the Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem to secure the condemnation of the Apostle Paul. Upon the new Roman governor Festus's arrival in the province, these leaders wasted no time in formally presenting their long-standing accusations, explicitly demanding a legal judgment against Paul, reflecting their unwavering hostility and desire to silence his ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Governor Festus's detailed explanation to King Agrippa II regarding the Apostle Paul's perplexing legal case. Festus, having inherited Paul as a prisoner from his predecessor Felix (as noted in [Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Felix leaves Paul in bonds")), is seeking Agrippa's expertise to formulate a clear charge for Paul's appeal to Caesar. Acts 25:15 specifically recounts the Jewish leaders' swift action upon Festus's initial visit to Jerusalem, highlighting their relentless pursuit of Paul's demise, which began with his arrest in [Acts 21](/acts/21 "Acts 21 - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem") and continued through various hearings in [Acts 23](/acts/23 "Acts 23 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin") and [Acts 24](/acts/24 "Acts 24 - Paul Before Felix"). This verse sets the stage for Festus's dilemma and Paul's subsequent appeal, underscoring the persistent opposition Paul faced.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Upon assuming the governorship of Judea, it was customary for a new Roman procurator like Festus to make an inaugural visit to Jerusalem, the provincial capital, to establish his authority and address local concerns. The Jewish chief priests and elders, representing the Sanhedrin, seized this opportunity with alacrity. Their deep-seated animosity towards Paul was rooted in his preaching of Jesus as the Messiah, which they viewed as a profound threat to their religious traditions, the Mosaic Law, and their authority. This animosity had festered for two years during Paul's imprisonment under Felix. Their demand for "judgment against him" was not merely a request for a fair trial but a clear desire for a conviction and punishment, reflecting a cultural and religious zeal that often bypassed Roman legal principles of due process. The geographical setting of Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish religious and political power, amplified the pressure on the new Roman governor.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 25:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it exemplifies the **Persistent Opposition to the Gospel**, showcasing the unwavering hostility of the Jewish religious authorities towards Paul and, by extension, the burgeoning Christian movement. Their relentless pursuit of his condemnation, despite Paul's innocence of any Roman crime, underscores the spiritual battle against the spread of God's truth. Secondly, the verse highlights the intricate interplay between **Roman Governance and Divine Providence**. Festus, as a Roman governor, was bound by the empire's legal procedures, which often contrasted sharply with the Jewish leaders' desire for a swift, religiously motivated condemnation. This tension ultimately serves God's sovereign plan, as it indirectly facilitates Paul's appeal to Caesar, setting in motion the events that would bring him to Rome, as prophesied by the Lord in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands by Paul"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Unjust Accusation and Legal Manipulation**, as the leaders' "desire for judgment against him" implies a predetermined outcome rather than a pursuit of impartial justice, foreshadowing the many times Paul would have to defend himself against baseless charges, much like his Lord (compare with [Luke 23:21](/luke/23-21 "Luke 23:21 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **informed (Greek, _emphanízō'_):** This word (G1718) means "to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)," carrying the nuance of making something known plainly or formally. In this context, it signifies the chief priests and elders formally presenting their accusations or charges against Paul to the newly arrived governor, Festus. It implies a deliberate and official communication of their grievances.
* **desiring (Greek, _aitéō'_):** The Greek term (G154) means "to ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require." Here, it conveys a strong, active request or demand from the Jewish leaders. It's not a passive hope but an insistent petition, indicating their urgent and determined intent to see Paul condemned.
* **judgment (Greek, _díkē'_):** This word (G1349) primarily means "right" or "justice," but can also refer to a "decision" or its "execution," including "punishment" or "vengeance." Coupled with the preposition "against" (G2596, _katá_), it unequivocally means a sentence of condemnation or a punitive verdict. The Jewish leaders were not merely seeking a legal hearing but a definitive, adverse ruling against Paul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"About whom, when I was at Jerusalem,"**: Festus begins his explanation to King Agrippa by establishing the subject (Paul) and the immediate context of his encounter with the Jewish leaders. His arrival in Jerusalem was his first official act as governor, and he was immediately confronted with Paul's case, indicating the high priority and persistent nature of the Jewish leaders' grievances.
* **"the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed [me],"**: This clause identifies the accusers as the highest religious and civic authorities among the Jews – the Sanhedrin. Their act of "informing" Festus was a formal presentation of their case, indicating that they wasted no time in bringing their long-standing animosity towards Paul to the attention of the new Roman authority. This was a calculated move to gain an early advantage in the new administration.
* **"desiring [to have] judgment against him."**: This final phrase reveals the true intent behind their "informing." Their desire was not for a fair trial or a just hearing, but for a predetermined outcome: Paul's condemnation. The phrase "judgment against him" (καταδίκην) explicitly denotes a verdict of guilt and punishment, underscoring their deep-seated malice and their relentless pursuit of Paul's destruction, regardless of legal merit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** to convey a significant amount of information about the political and religious climate surrounding Paul's trial. Festus's statement is direct and to the point, highlighting the immediate and specific nature of the Jewish leaders' demands. There is an element of **Irony** in the Jewish religious leaders, who ostensibly represented justice and the Law, actively "desiring judgment against" Paul without a fair hearing, contrasting sharply with the Roman legal ideal of due process, which Festus, despite his political maneuvering, still had to uphold to some degree. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the ongoing conflict and Paul's eventual appeal to Caesar, which will ultimately lead him to Rome, fulfilling God's sovereign plan for his ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:15 starkly illustrates the enduring reality of spiritual opposition to the Gospel and its messengers. The relentless pursuit of Paul's condemnation by the Jewish leadership, driven by religious zeal and political fear, mirrors the world's inherent resistance to the truth of Christ. This passage reminds us that God often uses secular authorities, even those with mixed motives, to advance His divine purposes, as Festus's dilemma ultimately paves the way for Paul's journey to Rome. It underscores the cost of discipleship, where faithfulness to Christ often invites hostility and unjust accusations, yet simultaneously affirms God's providential care over His servants.

* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 25:15 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to the Christian faith. It reveals that opposition to the truth is not a new phenomenon; those who faithfully proclaim Christ's message can expect to face unjust accusations, persistent hostility, and even attempts to silence them. Like Paul, we are called to persevere, trusting in God's sovereign plan even when powerful forces seek to thwart justice or manipulate systems for their own ends. This verse encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, knowing that our ultimate vindication comes from God. It also challenges us to reflect on our own motives when we seek "justice" – are we truly pursuing righteousness, or are we driven by personal grievances, prejudice, or a desire for condemnation? The passage calls us to discerning faith, relying on God's wisdom to navigate complex situations and to always uphold truth and fairness, even when it is costly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the persistent opposition faced by Paul in this verse resonate with challenges faced by believers today?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Jewish leaders, be tempted to seek "judgment against" others rather than true justice or reconciliation?**
* **How can we cultivate trust in God's sovereignty when facing unjust accusations or systemic opposition?**

### FAQ
**Who was Festus, and why was he in Jerusalem?**

Answer: Porcius Festus was the Roman procurator (governor) of Judea, succeeding Antonius Felix. He arrived in Judea around AD 59-60. It was customary for new Roman governors to make an inaugural visit to Jerusalem, the provincial capital, shortly after their appointment. This visit served to establish their authority, familiarize themselves with the local political and religious landscape, and address any pressing matters or grievances. In this instance, the Jewish chief priests and elders immediately seized the opportunity to present their case against Paul, who had been imprisoned by Festus's predecessor, Felix, for two years (as seen in [Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Felix leaves Paul in prison")).

**What was the Jewish leaders' primary motivation in seeking judgment against Paul?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders' primary motivation was a deep-seated religious and political animosity towards Paul and the burgeoning Christian movement he represented. They viewed Paul as a renegade who preached against the Law and the Temple, undermined their authority, and introduced dangerous innovations. This was not merely a legal dispute but a spiritual and ideological conflict. Their "desire for judgment against him" (καταδίκην) indicates they sought not a fair trial but a definitive conviction and punishment, aiming to silence Paul and halt the spread of the Gospel, which they perceived as a threat to their established order and traditions (see [Acts 21:28](/acts/21-28 "Acts 21:28 - Jewish Accusations Against Paul") for the initial accusations).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:15, though detailing Paul's unjust persecution, powerfully echoes the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The relentless, baseless accusations and the fervent desire for Paul's condemnation by the religious authorities directly parallel the unjust trials and crucifixion of Jesus himself. Just as the chief priests and elders sought "judgment against" Paul, so too did their predecessors cry out for the condemnation of the innocent Lamb of God, demanding His crucifixion (as recorded in [Luke 23:21](/luke/23-21 "Luke 23:21 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). Paul's suffering, like all suffering for Christ, becomes a participation in the sufferings of the Messiah, bearing witness to the world's inherent hostility towards divine truth (see [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")). Furthermore, God's sovereign hand, allowing these trials to unfold, ultimately propels Paul towards Rome, the heart of the Gentile world. This journey, initiated by the very opposition described in this verse, paradoxically serves as a divine vehicle to spread the Gospel of the crucified and risen Christ to new frontiers, demonstrating that even human wickedness cannot thwart God's redemptive purposes.

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

Esther 3:9

If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring [it] into the king's treasuries.

Luke 23:23

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

Luke 18:3

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Luke 18:5

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Acts 25:1

¶ Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Acts 25:3

And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

Acts 24:1

¶ And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.