Acts 25:20

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Acts 25:20

This verse is part of Festus's explanation to King Agrippa II and Bernice regarding the case of the Apostle Paul. Festus had recently become the Roman governor of Judea, inheriting Paul's two-year-long imprisonment from his predecessor, Felix. Paul, facing accusations from Jewish leaders, had appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11), a right afforded to Roman citizens. Festus, unfamiliar with the intricacies of Jewish religious law and the nature of the accusations against Paul, found himself perplexed by the case. He recounts his initial attempts to resolve the matter, including his suggestion to Paul to transfer the trial to Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Judicial Perplexity: Festus admits his confusion ("I doubted of such manner of questions"). This highlights the significant cultural and religious gap between Roman legal thinking and the Jewish theological disputes that were at the heart of the charges against Paul, particularly concerning the resurrection of the dead.
  • Roman vs. Jewish Law: The verse underscores the tension and misunderstanding between the Roman legal system, which focused on civil offenses and public order, and the Jewish religious concerns that fueled the opposition to Paul. Festus struggled to find a Roman crime in Paul's actions.
  • Paul's Steadfastness: Although not directly stated in this verse, Festus's proposal to go to Jerusalem indicates Paul's refusal to do so, knowing the intense hostility and plots against his life there. Paul's appeal to Caesar was a strategic move to ensure a fair hearing and to fulfill God's purpose for him to testify in Rome.
  • Divine Providence: Even the confusion and political maneuvering of a Roman governor serve God's greater plan to bring the gospel to the highest levels of the Roman Empire, eventually leading Paul to Rome.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "I doubted of such manner of questions" translates the Greek verb aporeō (ἀπορέω), which means to be at a loss, to be perplexed, or to be without resources. It perfectly captures Festus's genuine bewilderment and inability to grasp the theological nuances of the accusations. He was not just questioning, but truly stumped by the nature of the dispute, particularly regarding the resurrection.

Practical Application

Acts 25:20 reminds us that understanding can be challenging when dealing with different worldviews or belief systems. Festus's confusion highlights the need for patience and clear communication, especially when sharing the gospel or explaining deeply held convictions to those unfamiliar with them. It also shows how God can use even human limitations and legal processes to advance His purposes. Paul's journey to Rome, initiated by his appeal, was a direct result of these circumstances, demonstrating God's ability to work through complex situations to achieve His will.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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