Acts 25:4

KJV

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly [thither].

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G3303}{G3767} Festus {G5347} answered {G611}, that Paul {G3972} should be kept {G5083} at {G1722} Caesarea {G2542}, and {G1161} that he himself {G1438} would {G3195} depart {G1607}{G1722} shortly {G5034} thither.

Complete Jewish Bible

Festus replied that Sha’ul was being kept under guard in Caesarea, and that he was about to go there shortly himself.

Berean Standard Bible

But Festus replied, “Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.

American Standard Version

Howbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Cæsarea, and that he himself was about to depart thither shortly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Festus's response to the Jewish leaders' request to transfer the Apostle Paul from Caesarea to Jerusalem for trial. Festus, newly appointed, rejects their proposal, stating that Paul should remain imprisoned in Caesarea and that he himself would soon return there to preside over the case. This seemingly administrative decision by Festus inadvertently thwarts a Jewish plot to ambush and assassinate Paul en route to Jerusalem, thereby providentially safeguarding the apostle for his continued ministry and eventual journey to Rome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 25:4 is situated within the broader narrative of Paul's extended imprisonment following his third missionary journey. Chapters 21-26 recount Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, his various defenses before Jewish and Roman authorities, and the ongoing machinations of Jewish leaders against him. Immediately preceding this verse, Festus has arrived in Judea as the new governor, succeeding Felix. The Jewish high priests and leading men quickly approach him in Jerusalem, urging him to transfer Paul to Jerusalem, ostensibly for a trial, but secretly planning an ambush ([Acts 25:1-3](/acts/25-1-3 "Acts 25:1-3 - Jewish Leaders Accuse Paul")). Festus's reply in [Acts 25:4](/acts/25-4 "Acts 25:4 - Festus's Decision") directly counters their dangerous scheme, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent hearings in Caesarea before Festus and King Agrippa.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman province of Judea was often volatile, and Roman governors typically resided in Caesarea, the administrative capital, which was a Hellenistic city with a strong Roman military presence. Jerusalem, while the religious capital, was a hotbed of Jewish nationalism and frequent unrest. Transporting a high-profile prisoner like Paul, who had already caused significant commotion in Jerusalem, would have been a security risk. Festus, as a new governor, would have been keen to assert his authority and maintain order. His decision to keep Paul in Caesarea was administratively sound and safer for Roman interests, as it allowed him to conduct the trial in a more controlled environment away from the volatile Jerusalem populace and the direct influence of the Sanhedrin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes in Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Protection and Providence**. Unbeknownst to Festus, his administrative decision serves God's purpose to protect Paul from assassination, fulfilling the Lord's earlier promise that Paul would bear witness to Him in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). Secondly, it highlights the **Exercise of Roman Legal and Administrative Authority**. Festus, as governor, demonstrates his prerogative to manage judicial proceedings from his seat of power in Caesarea, rather than succumbing to the demands of local religious leaders. This underscores the Roman legal system's role, however imperfect, in the unfolding of God's plan. Lastly, it subtly reinforces **Paul's Steadfastness Amidst Adversity**. Though a prisoner, Paul's circumstances continue to be shaped by external forces, yet he remains available for God's purposes, enduring patiently until his ultimate appeal to Caesar ([Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Acts 25:11 - Paul Appeals to Caesar")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kept (Greek, _tēréō'_):** This verb signifies to guard, preserve, or keep watch over, often with the implication of protecting from loss or injury. In this context, it emphasizes that Paul was to be maintained in custody, but also implicitly protected from the external threats posed by his accusers. Festus's decision to "keep" Paul at Caesarea effectively safeguards him from the Jewish plot.
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun stresses Festus's personal involvement and authority in the decision. It highlights that this was his own resolution, not merely a concession or a response to pressure, thereby asserting his gubernatorial power and control over the legal proceedings.
* **would depart (Greek, _méllō ekporeúomai'_):** The combination of `méllō` (to be about to, to intend) and `ekporeúomai` (to go forth, depart) conveys Festus's firm intention and immediate plan. It signifies that he was decisively planning to return to Caesarea shortly, reinforcing his commitment to handle Paul's case there personally and without delay, rather than yielding to the Jewish leaders' demand for a transfer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Festus answered,"**: This clause establishes Festus's direct and authoritative response to the Jewish leaders' request. It marks a turning point in the narrative, as the new governor asserts his will and control over the situation.
* **"that Paul should be kept at Caesarea,"**: This is the core of Festus's decision. It dictates Paul's continued detention in the Roman administrative capital, effectively denying the Jewish leaders' primary demand and, unbeknownst to them, thwarting their assassination plot.
* **"and that he himself would depart shortly [thither]."**: This part clarifies Festus's intention to return to Caesarea quickly to personally oversee Paul's case. The bracketed "thither" in the KJV is an editorial addition for clarity, as the Greek simply implies his return to the place where Paul was being held. This confirms Festus's resolve to handle the matter at his seat of power.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Acts 25:4 employs several literary techniques. There is a strong element of **Irony**, as the Jewish leaders' malicious plot to ambush Paul on the road to Jerusalem is unwittingly foiled by Festus's administrative decision, made for his own convenience and security. This decision, seemingly mundane, becomes a pivotal moment of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly orchestrates human actions, even those of secular authorities, to achieve His purposes. The verse also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing**, as Festus's refusal to send Paul to Jerusalem indirectly preserves Paul for his eventual journey to Rome, fulfilling the Lord's earlier promise to the apostle. The narrative structure here effectively builds suspense around Paul's fate, only to resolve it through an unexpected, divinely guided intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:4 profoundly illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty working through human agency, even in the mundane or politically motivated decisions of secular rulers. Festus's choice, driven by administrative convenience and security concerns, becomes a direct instrument of God's protective hand over Paul. This highlights that God's plans are not contingent on human cooperation or even awareness, but can be advanced through the ordinary course of events and the decisions of those who do not know Him. It underscores that God remains actively involved in the affairs of His people, safeguarding them for the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, often in ways unseen and unexpected by human actors.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 25:4 offers a powerful encouragement for believers navigating uncertain or challenging circumstances. It reminds us that God's sovereign hand is at work even in the seemingly bureaucratic, political, or adversarial decisions of human authorities. When we face delays, opposition, or situations beyond our control, this verse calls us to trust in divine providence. Just as Festus's decision, made for his own reasons, served to protect Paul and advance God's plan, so too can God use any situation—even those that seem to hinder us—to achieve His greater purposes for our lives and for the spread of His kingdom. It fosters a perspective of peace and reliance, knowing that our ultimate safety and trajectory are in His capable hands, regardless of external circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in Acts 25:4 impact your perspective on current challenges or delays in your own life?**
* **Can you recall a time when a seemingly ordinary or even negative event unexpectedly worked out for your good or for God's purposes?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to overlook God's hand in "secular" or "political" decisions, and how does this verse challenge that tendency?**

### FAQ
**Why did Festus decide to keep Paul in Caesarea instead of sending him to Jerusalem?**

Answer: Festus made this decision for several practical and administrative reasons. Firstly, Caesarea was the Roman administrative capital of Judea, where the governor's court was located, making it the logical place for a high-profile trial. Secondly, Festus likely preferred to conduct the proceedings in a more controlled environment away from the volatile religious and political climate of Jerusalem. Thirdly, as a new governor, he was asserting his authority and demonstrating that he would not simply accede to the demands of the Jewish leaders, especially when their request seemed aimed at circumventing proper legal procedure. His decision inadvertently thwarted the Jewish leaders' plot to ambush and kill Paul on the road to Jerusalem, as revealed in [Acts 25:3](/acts/25-3 "Acts 25:3 - The Ambush Plot").

**What was the significance of the Jewish leaders wanting Paul transferred to Jerusalem?**

Answer: The Jewish high priests and leading men had a sinister motive for wanting Paul transferred to Jerusalem. They had previously conspired to ambush and assassinate Paul on the road ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "Acts 23:12-15 - The Plot to Kill Paul")). Their request to Festus was a deceptive tactic to get Paul out of the relative safety of Roman custody in Caesarea and into a vulnerable position where their plot could be executed. Their relentless animosity towards Paul stemmed from his preaching of Jesus as the Messiah and his ministry to Gentiles, which they viewed as a betrayal of Jewish law and tradition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:4, though seemingly a minor administrative detail, contributes significantly to the Christ-centered narrative of the book of Acts. Festus's decision to keep Paul in Caesarea, and his subsequent commitment to return there, directly preserves Paul's life, enabling him to continue his vital mission of proclaiming the gospel. This preservation is a direct outworking of God's promise to Paul that he must bear witness to Christ in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). Paul's journey to Rome, facilitated by these divine interventions, is crucial for the expansion of the Christian message to the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling the Great Commission given by Christ to His disciples to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")). Thus, Festus's seemingly secular decision becomes a providential step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ensuring that the message of Christ's death and resurrection continues to spread, ultimately leading to the proclamation of the Kingdom of God even in Rome, as depicted in [Acts 28:30-31](/acts/28-30-31 "Paul Preaches in Rome")). The entire narrative underscores that Christ's sovereign rule extends over all earthly authorities, orchestrating events to ensure the triumph of His gospel.

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 24:23

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let [him] have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.