Acts 25:20

KJV

And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked [him] whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} because I {G1473} doubted {G639} of {G1519} such {G5127} manner {G4012} of questions {G2214}, I asked {G3004} him whether {G1487} he would {G1014} go {G4198} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, and there {G2546} be judged {G2919} of {G4012} these matters {G5130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Being at a loss as to how to investigate such questions, I asked him if he would be willing to go to Yerushalayim and be tried on these matters there.

Berean Standard Bible

Since I was at a loss as to how to investigate these matters, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges.

American Standard Version

And I, being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:20 captures Governor Festus's candid admission of his perplexity regarding the charges brought against the Apostle Paul by Jewish leaders. Unfamiliar with the intricacies of Jewish religious law, particularly the theological dispute surrounding the resurrection, Festus found himself at a loss to understand the nature of the accusations. Consequently, he proposed that Paul return to Jerusalem to be judged on these matters, a suggestion Paul firmly rejected by appealing to Caesar, thus setting in motion the divine plan for his journey to Rome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Festus's detailed explanation to King Agrippa II and Bernice concerning the Apostle Paul's case. Festus, having recently succeeded Felix as the Roman governor of Judea, inherited Paul's prolonged imprisonment. The preceding verses (Acts 25:1-12) describe Festus's arrival in Caesarea, the renewed accusations from the Jewish high priests, and Paul's defense, culminating in his strategic appeal to Caesar as a Roman citizen. Festus's statement in [Acts 25:20](/acts/25-20 "Acts 25:20 - Festus's Perplexity") serves to justify his decision to hold Paul and to seek Agrippa's counsel, as he needed a clear charge to send with Paul to Caesar, which he himself could not formulate due to his lack of understanding of the Jewish religious disputes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is Roman Judea, with Festus as the new governor navigating the complex relationship between Roman authority and Jewish religious and political factions. Roman law primarily concerned itself with civil crimes, sedition, and disturbances of the peace. The accusations against Paul, however, stemmed from theological disagreements, particularly concerning the [resurrection of the dead](/acts/24-21 "Acts 24:21 - Paul's Defense Regarding the Resurrection"). This fundamental difference in worldview and legal framework caused Festus significant confusion. Furthermore, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious authority, and Festus's suggestion to transfer the trial there was likely an attempt to appease the Jewish leaders and offload a case he found baffling, unaware of the intense animosity and [plots against Paul's life](/acts/23-12-15 "Acts 23:12-15 - The Plot Against Paul") that made such a move perilous for the apostle.
* **Key Themes:** The verse highlights several key themes central to the book of Acts. Firstly, **Judicial Perplexity** is evident in Festus's admission of doubt, underscoring the clash between Roman legal principles and Jewish religious concerns. Secondly, the **Sovereignty of God** is subtly at play, as Festus's confusion and Paul's subsequent appeal to Caesar ultimately serve God's greater purpose of bringing the gospel to Rome, as promised by the Lord to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands by Paul"). Thirdly, **Paul's Steadfastness and Strategic Acumen** are implied; his refusal to return to Jerusalem and his appeal to Caesar demonstrate his commitment to his mission and his awareness of the dangers awaiting him, ensuring his journey continues towards the imperial capital.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **doubted (Greek, _aporéō'_):** This word signifies being "at a loss," "perplexed," or "without resources" mentally. It perfectly encapsulates Festus's genuine bewilderment and inability to grasp the theological nuances of the accusations against Paul. He was not merely questioning but truly stumped by the nature of the dispute, particularly concerning the resurrection of the dead, which was central to the Jewish leaders' charges and Paul's defense.
* **questions (Greek, _zḗtēsis'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to search," this term refers to a "searching" or "dispute," often implying a contentious debate or its subject matter. In this context, it refers to the specific points of contention and theological arguments that the Jewish leaders raised against Paul, which Festus found utterly alien to Roman jurisprudence.
* **judged (Greek, _krínō'_):** This verb means "to distinguish," "decide," "try," or "condemn" judicially. Festus's proposal for Paul to be "judged" in Jerusalem indicates his desire for the Jewish authorities to handle a matter that he perceived as internal to their religious system, hoping they could reach a verdict according to their own customs and laws, rather than Roman civil law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And because I doubted of such manner of questions":** Festus openly admits his confusion and lack of comprehension regarding the specific nature of the charges brought by the Jewish leaders against Paul. The "questions" were not criminal offenses in the Roman sense but theological disputes, primarily concerning the resurrection and Paul's interpretation of Jewish law and messianic claims. This highlights the cultural and religious chasm between the Roman governor and the Jewish accusers.
* **"I asked [him] whether he would go to Jerusalem":** Due to his perplexity and perhaps a desire to appease the Jewish leadership, Festus proposed a change of venue for the trial. He suggested that Paul voluntarily return to Jerusalem, the heartland of Jewish religious authority, to face judgment there. This was a politically expedient move for Festus, but a dangerous one for Paul, given the intense hostility against him in Jerusalem.
* **"and there be judged of these matters":** The implication is that in Jerusalem, Paul would be judged according to Jewish law and custom, rather than Roman law, concerning the "matters" (the theological disputes) that Festus found so baffling. This proposal ultimately led to Paul's appeal to Caesar, as he knew he would not receive a fair trial in Jerusalem and that his life would be in danger.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Irony** and **Contrast**. The **irony** lies in the fact that a powerful Roman governor, representing the epitome of secular law and order, is utterly perplexed by a religious dispute, unwittingly becoming an instrument in the divine plan to send the gospel to the imperial capital. Festus's bewilderment, intended to resolve a legal quandary, instead propels Paul toward Rome, fulfilling God's promise. There is also a strong **contrast** between the Roman legal system, focused on civil and criminal offenses, and the Jewish religious concerns that formed the basis of the accusations against Paul. Festus's inability to find a "crime" in Paul's actions, despite the vehement accusations, underscores this fundamental difference in worldview and jurisdiction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Festus's perplexity in Acts 25:20 serves as a powerful illustration of the world's inability to fully grasp spiritual truths without divine illumination. The "questions" that baffled the Roman governor were not mere legal technicalities but deeply theological matters concerning life, death, and the resurrection—the very core of the gospel message. This incident demonstrates how God can sovereignly use human limitations, political maneuvering, and even judicial confusion to advance His redemptive purposes. Festus's desire to simplify his problem inadvertently opened the path for Paul to fulfill his mission to testify in Rome, showcasing God's ability to orchestrate complex circumstances for the spread of His kingdom, even when human actors are unaware of their role in His grand design.

* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Person Does Not Accept Spiritual Things")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Philippians 1:12 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Festus's confusion reminds us that the profound truths of the Christian faith, particularly the resurrection of Jesus Christ, can be perplexing or even nonsensical to those operating from a purely secular or different worldview. This calls for patience, clarity, and grace in our communication of the gospel. We are challenged to articulate our faith in ways that address genuine questions and bridge understanding gaps, rather than assuming immediate comprehension. Moreover, this passage offers profound encouragement: even when we face situations that seem confusing, unjust, or beyond our control—like Paul's prolonged imprisonment and Festus's bewilderment—God remains sovereign. He can and does use imperfect human systems, political machinations, and personal limitations to accomplish His perfect will. Our call is to remain faithful, trusting that God is always at work, even when the path is unclear, guiding us and our circumstances toward His ultimate purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when your deeply held beliefs are misunderstood or dismissed by others who operate from a different worldview?**
* **In what ways have you observed God working through seemingly confusing or challenging circumstances in your own life or in the lives of others to advance His purposes?**
* **Considering Festus's perplexity, what steps can we take to better communicate the core truths of the gospel, such as the resurrection, to those unfamiliar with Christian theology?**

### FAQ
**Why was Festus "doubted" or perplexed by Paul's case, and what were these "questions"?**

Answer: Festus was perplexed because the accusations against Paul were not typical Roman criminal charges, but rather intricate theological disputes rooted in Jewish law and tradition. The "questions" primarily revolved around Paul's teaching that Jesus was the Messiah and, most significantly, the [resurrection of the dead](/acts/24-21 "Acts 24:21 - Paul's Defense Regarding the Resurrection"). For a Roman governor, whose legal system focused on civil order, sedition, and tangible crimes, these spiritual and doctrinal matters were utterly alien and nonsensical, making it impossible for him to discern a clear legal basis for condemnation or acquittal. He simply did not understand the religious context or the profound significance of the issues at stake.

**Why did Festus suggest Paul go to Jerusalem for judgment, despite Paul being a Roman citizen?**

Answer: Festus suggested Paul go to Jerusalem for judgment for several reasons. Firstly, he was genuinely perplexed by the nature of the charges and hoped that a trial in Jerusalem, under Jewish jurisdiction, might resolve the matter according to their own laws and customs, thereby relieving him of a baffling case. Secondly, he was new to his governorship and likely sought to appease the influential Jewish leaders, who were intensely hostile towards Paul and desired his trial in Jerusalem. This was a political maneuver to curry favor and maintain peace in the province. However, Paul, being a Roman citizen, had the right to appeal to Caesar, which he promptly exercised, knowing that a trial in Jerusalem would be a death sentence given the [plots against him](/acts/23-12-15 "Acts 23:12-15 - The Jewish Plot Against Paul").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:20, with Festus's bewildered admission, subtly points to the profound Christ-centered reality that the world, in its natural state, cannot grasp the spiritual truths embodied in Jesus Christ. Just as Festus was perplexed by the "questions" concerning the resurrection and Paul's messianic claims, so too does humanity often struggle to comprehend the radical implications of the gospel. Yet, it is precisely through such human limitations and the seemingly circuitous paths of legal proceedings that God's ultimate plan, centered on Christ, unfolds. Paul's journey to Rome, initiated by this very confusion and his subsequent appeal, directly parallels Christ's own path to Jerusalem, where he faced trials before both Jewish and Roman authorities. The legal system, designed for earthly justice, became an unwitting vehicle for the spread of the divine message. Christ's own suffering and death, an act of Roman execution, became the ultimate answer to all of humanity's "questions" and "disputes," offering true spiritual understanding and reconciliation. The "matters" that perplexed Festus find their ultimate resolution in the person and work of Jesus, who through His resurrection, conquered death and offers eternal life, fulfilling the very hope that Paul proclaimed and for which he was persecuted. Thus, even the governor's confusion serves to highlight the unique, spiritually discerned truth of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and His redemptive work, which transcends all earthly understanding and legal frameworks.

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 25:9

But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?