Acts 25:2

KJV

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} the high priest {G749} and {G2532} the chief {G4413} of the Jews {G2453} informed {G1718} him {G846} against {G2596} Paul {G3972}, and {G2532} besought {G3870} him {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

There the head cohanim and the Judean leaders informed him of the case against Sha’ul, and they asked him

Berean Standard Bible

where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus

American Standard Version

And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:2 details the immediate and aggressive re-engagement of the Jewish religious leadership against the Apostle Paul upon the arrival of Porcius Festus, the new Roman procurator of Judea. Having been imprisoned for two years under Festus's predecessor, Felix, Paul remained the target of intense animosity from the high priest and other prominent Jewish leaders, who wasted no time in formally presenting their accusations and earnestly pleading with Festus to act against him. This verse sets the stage for Paul's continued legal defense and eventual appeal to Caesar, highlighting the persistent opposition he faced for proclaiming the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 25:2 immediately follows the conclusion of Paul's two-year imprisonment in Caesarea under Governor Felix, as recounted in [Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Paul's Imprisonment Under Felix"). The narrative transitions directly to the arrival of Porcius Festus, Felix's successor, and his initial administrative actions. Festus's first official visit is to Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish religious and political life. This verse marks the swift re-initiation of the Jewish leadership's efforts to condemn Paul, demonstrating their unwavering resolve despite the passage of time. It sets the stage for the dramatic legal proceedings that will unfold in the remainder of Acts 25, including their plot to ambush Paul on the road to Jerusalem mentioned in [Acts 25:3](/acts/25-3 "Acts 25:3 - The Jewish Plot Against Paul"), and Paul's subsequent appeal to Caesar.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Porcius Festus became the Roman procurator of Judea around A.D. 59-60, succeeding Felix, whose administration was marked by corruption and unrest. Upon assuming office, it was customary for a new governor to visit Jerusalem to establish authority and gauge the political climate, particularly with the influential Jewish Sanhedrin. The Jewish leaders, deeply resentful of Roman rule but dependent on Roman authority for maintaining order, frequently sought to leverage the procurator's power for their own ends, especially in matters concerning religious law and perceived threats to their traditions. Their intense animosity towards Paul stemmed from his preaching of Jesus as the Messiah and the resurrection, which they viewed as blasphemous and a direct challenge to their established religious authority and interpretation of the Mosaic Law. The cultural expectation was that a new governor might be more amenable to their requests, making Festus's arrival a prime opportunity for them to press their case against Paul once more.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within the Book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the **Persistent Opposition** faced by the early Christian movement, particularly from within the Jewish religious establishment. Despite Paul's prolonged imprisonment, the animosity of the high priest and the "chief of the Jews" remained undiminished, highlighting the deep-seated resistance to the Gospel message. Secondly, it showcases the theme of **Legal Maneuvering** and the strategic use of the Roman legal system by both Paul's accusers and Paul himself. The Jewish leaders' immediate "informing" and "beseeching" of Festus reveal their calculated efforts to influence the new governor and secure a conviction or a favorable outcome. Thirdly, though not explicit in this verse, it subtly points to **Divine Providence** at work. Even amidst intense opposition and human machinations, God's sovereign plan for Paul's ministry, including his ultimate journey to Rome, continues to unfold, as promised to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **informed (Greek, _emphanízō'_):** From G1718, meaning "to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)," this word signifies a formal, deliberate presentation of a case or accusation. It indicates that the Jewish leaders were not merely complaining but were making a structured, official complaint against Paul to the new Roman procurator, setting the stage for a judicial review.
* **high priest (Greek, _archiereús'_):** From G749, denoting the chief religious authority of the Jews. His presence, along with the "chief of the Jews," underscores the official and institutional nature of the opposition to Paul, representing the highest echelons of Jewish religious and political power. This was an accusation from the very top of the Jewish hierarchy.
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** From G3870, meaning "to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." In this context, it conveys an earnest, fervent plea or request, indicating the intensity of their desire for Festus to act in accordance with their wishes, possibly by bringing Paul to Jerusalem where their ambush plot awaited.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the antagonists and their authority. "Then" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a transition, linking this event to Festus's arrival and assumption of duties. The "high priest" (G749, _archiereús_) and "chief of the Jews" (G4413, _prōtos_ of G2453, _Ioudaîos_) represent the most influential and authoritative figures within the Jewish Sanhedrin and community. Their unified presence underscores the gravity and institutional nature of the accusation, demonstrating that the opposition to Paul was not merely from a fringe group but from the established religious and political leadership of the nation.
* **"informed him against Paul":** The verb "informed" (G1718, _emphanízō_) signifies a formal, public declaration or presentation of charges. It implies that the Jewish leaders laid out their accusations against Paul in a structured and official manner to Festus, the new Roman procurator. The phrase "against Paul" (G2596, _katá_ + G3972, _Paûlos_) clearly identifies the target of their animosity, highlighting the persistent and focused nature of their opposition to the Apostle, who they viewed as a dangerous renegade.
* **"and besought him":** This concluding phrase (G2532, _kaí_ + G3870, _parakaléō_ + G846, _autós_) reveals the intensity and purpose behind their formal accusation. "Besought" (G3870, _parakaléō_) conveys a strong plea or earnest request, indicating their fervent desire for Festus to comply with their wishes. This was not a passive complaint but an active, impassioned appeal for the Roman governor to take specific action against Paul, which, as subsequent verses show, involved bringing Paul to Jerusalem for trial, where they had a plot to ambush him. Their earnestness reveals their deep-seated hatred and determination.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 25:2 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and set the narrative's tone. The immediate re-emergence of the Jewish leadership's accusations against Paul, despite two years of his imprisonment, highlights the **Antagonism** that defines their relationship with the apostle and, by extension, the early Christian movement. This persistent hostility is a recurring motif throughout Acts. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the continued legal battles and the underlying plot against Paul's life that will unfold in the subsequent narrative of Acts 25. Furthermore, the description of the "high priest and the chief of the Jews" taking immediate action upon Festus's arrival provides **Characterization**, portraying these figures as relentless, strategic, and deeply invested in suppressing the Christian message. Their unified and earnest approach underscores the institutional nature of the opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:2 serves as a stark reminder of the enduring nature of spiritual opposition to the Gospel. The unwavering animosity of the Jewish leadership, despite Paul's two-year imprisonment, demonstrates that the conflict is not merely personal but a deep-seated resistance to the truth of Christ. This verse highlights the reality that faithfulness to God's calling can often provoke intense and persistent opposition, even from those who are themselves religious. It underscores the spiritual warfare inherent in the advancement of God's kingdom, where the forces of darkness, operating through human agents, seek to hinder the spread of the Good News and silence its messengers. Yet, even in the face of such determined adversaries, God's sovereign plan for His servants continues to unfold, often through the very systems designed to oppose them.

* [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")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 25:2 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world that often opposes the truth of the Gospel. Paul's experience reminds us that dedication to Christ and His mission does not guarantee an easy path; rather, it often invites persistent opposition, even from unexpected or seemingly religious quarters. This verse calls us to cultivate **perseverance** in our faith and witness, recognizing that God's purposes transcend human machinations and timelines. We are encouraged to trust in God's **sovereignty**, understanding that He can work through complex legal, political, and social landscapes to achieve His divine will, even when faced with injustice or persecution. The unwavering hostility of Paul's accusers also serves as a potent reminder of the **spiritual nature of our conflict**; it is not merely against individuals but against spiritual forces that oppose the light of Christ. Therefore, we are called to stand firm, clad in the armor of God, and continue to proclaim the truth, knowing that God is ultimately in control and will bring His plans to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the persistence of the Jewish leaders' opposition to Paul challenge my own assumptions about spiritual conflict and the spread of the Gospel?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I encounter persistent opposition, and how can Paul's example of perseverance encourage me?**
* **How can I better trust in God's sovereignty when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or unjust circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jewish leaders so persistent in their accusations against Paul, even after two years?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders' persistence stemmed from several deeply held convictions and fears. Firstly, they viewed Paul as a dangerous apostate who was corrupting Jewish law and traditions by proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah and advocating for salvation through faith, not works of the Law. His teachings, particularly concerning the resurrection and the inclusion of Gentiles, directly challenged their authority and theological framework. Secondly, they saw him as a disturber of the peace, potentially inciting unrest among the Jewish populace and drawing unwanted Roman attention, which could jeopardize their precarious position. Lastly, their personal animosity and zeal for their interpretation of God's law fueled an intense desire to eliminate what they perceived as a profound threat to their religious and national identity. Their immediate approach to Festus upon his arrival in Jerusalem demonstrates their unwavering commitment to this objective, as detailed in [Acts 25:1-3](/acts/25-1-3 "Acts 25:1-3 - Festus Arrives and the Plot Continues").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:2, while describing Paul's earthly tribulations, powerfully echoes the greater narrative of Christ's suffering and the enduring conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. Just as the Jewish high priest and chief men relentlessly "informed" and "besought" Festus against Paul, so too did the religious authorities of Jesus' day conspire against and deliver the [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") to Roman judgment. The unjust accusations, the fervent pleas for condemnation, and the underlying desire to eliminate the messenger of truth all find their ultimate prototype in the passion of Christ. Paul, in his steadfast endurance of this hostility, embodies the very spirit of the [Suffering Servant](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"), who "opened not his mouth" in self-defense but willingly submitted to the will of God. This passage reminds us that the path of discipleship often mirrors the path of the Master, who Himself faced relentless opposition from those who rejected His message of grace and truth. Ultimately, Paul's journey, despite these human machinations, was divinely orchestrated, just as Christ's crucifixion, though a result of human sin, was the preordained means for the [redemption of humanity](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us"). The unwavering resolve of Paul's accusers only serves to highlight the greater power of God's sovereign plan, which ensures that His Gospel will continue to advance, even through the crucible of persecution, ultimately fulfilling the mission of the [King of Kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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 25:15

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

Romans 3:12

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

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.

Proverbs 4:16

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

Job 31:31

If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.