For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes [laid] against him.
For {G1063} it seemeth {G1380} to me {G3427} unreasonable {G249} to send {G3992} a prisoner {G1198}, and {G2532} not withal {G3361} to signify {G4591} the crimes {G156} laid against {G2596} him {G846}.
It seems irrational to me to send a prisoner without also indicating what the charges against him are.”
For it seems unreasonable to me to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”
For it seemeth to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not withal to signify the charges against him.
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John 7:51
Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? -
Proverbs 18:13
¶ He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.
Context
Acts 25:27 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's legal journey, spoken by Porcius Festus, the new Roman procurator of Judea. Festus had inherited Paul's case from his predecessor, Felix, and found himself in a complex situation. Jewish leaders in Jerusalem had continuously pressed for Paul's condemnation, but they could not substantiate any charges that violated Roman law. After hearing Paul's defense and recognizing the lack of concrete evidence against him, Festus faced a dilemma: Paul, as a Roman citizen, had exercised his right to appeal to Caesar. This verse reflects Festus's pragmatic understanding of Roman legal procedure, where it was considered absurd and unjust to send a prisoner to the emperor without clearly stating the specific crimes or accusations against him.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "unreasonable" is alogōs (ἀλόγως), which means "illogically," "absurdly," or "without reason." Festus views the situation as entirely illogical and contrary to established legal practice. To "signify the crimes" (sēmanai ta enklēmata) means to make known or specify the accusations or charges, emphasizing the need for concrete, legally defined offenses rather than vague slanders or religious disputes.
Significance and Application
Acts 25:27 offers several timeless insights: