TRV
Acts 25:15
Bible Versions
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed [me], desiring [to have] judgment against him.
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.
While I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews presented their case and requested a judgment against him.
about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for sentence against him.
Study Tools
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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. -
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 25:15 describes the immediate and persistent efforts of the Jewish religious leadership in Jerusalem to secure the condemnation of the Apostle Paul, shortly after the Roman governor Festus arrived in the province.
Historical and Cultural Context
This verse is part of Festus's explanation to King Agrippa II concerning Paul's case. Festus, having just arrived as the new Roman governor of Judea, made his first official visit to Jerusalem. It was customary for new governors to visit the capital and address local concerns. The Jewish leaders, particularly the chief priests and elders, wasted no time in seizing this opportunity. Their deep-seated animosity towards Paul, stemming from his preaching of Christ and the perceived threat to their traditions and authority, had not diminished since his arrest two years prior under Felix (see Acts 24:27).
They "informed" Festus, which implies formally presenting their case and accusations against Paul. Their explicit desire was not simply a fair trial, but a "judgment against him"—a condemnation. This reflects their ongoing determination to silence Paul and his message, even resorting to plots and political pressure, as seen in their previous attempts to ambush him (compare with Acts 23:12-14).
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "informed [me]" translates the Greek word enenphanisan (ἐνεφανίσαν), which means "they made known," "they presented," or "they informed." It carries the nuance of a formal presentation of charges or an accusation. The phrase "desiring [to have] judgment against him" comes from katadikēn (καταδίκην), which specifically means "condemnation" or "sentence against." This indicates their goal was not merely a hearing or a trial, but a definitive conviction and punishment for Paul.
Practical Application
Acts 25:15 reminds believers that opposition to the truth and to those who faithfully proclaim it is not new. We may face unjust accusations or persistent hostility when standing for biblical principles. However, like Paul, we can trust in God's sovereignty to work through even difficult legal or social circumstances. The verse also underscores the importance of seeking true justice and fairness, even when powerful forces seek to circumvent it for their own ends. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, as they did in bringing Paul to Rome to preach the Gospel there (see Acts 28:30-31).