Acts 25:5

KJV

Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with [me], and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them therefore {G3767}, said {G5346} he, which among {G1722} you {G5213} are able {G1415}, go down with {G4782} me, and accuse {G2723} this {G846} man {G435}, if {G1536} there be {G2076} any wickedness {G1536} in {G1722} him {G5129}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“So,” he said, “let competent men among you come down with me and press charges against the man, if he has done something wrong.”

Berean Standard Bible

So if this man has done anything wrong, let some of your leaders come down with me and accuse him there.”

American Standard Version

Let them therefore, saith he, that are of power among you go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:5 captures Roman Governor Festus's firm directive to the Jewish chief priests and leading men, challenging them to present their accusations against the Apostle Paul in the proper legal venue of Caesarea. This moment underscores Festus's commitment to Roman legal protocol, demanding substantiated evidence rather than acceding to the Jewish leaders' politically motivated request to transfer Paul to Jerusalem, where they harbored an assassination plot. The verse highlights the persistent, unfounded opposition Paul faced, even as it reveals God's providential use of Roman authority to protect His servant and advance the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Acts chapter 25, immediately following the arrival of Porcius Festus as the new Roman procurator of Judea, succeeding Felix (Acts 24:27). Upon his arrival in Caesarea, Festus quickly traveled to Jerusalem, where the Jewish chief priests and leading men, still harboring intense animosity towards Paul, immediately presented their case against him. They requested Paul be brought to Jerusalem for trial, a request Festus shrewdly discerned was a pretext for an ambush and assassination attempt on the road (Acts 25:3). Festus's response in Acts 25:4-5 directly counters their plot, asserting Roman jurisdiction and demanding that the accusers come to Caesarea, the administrative capital, to present their case formally. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent appearances before Festus and King Agrippa, culminating in his appeal to Caesar.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire prided itself on its legal system, which emphasized due process, the right of the accused to face their accusers, and the presentation of evidence. Caesarea Maritima served as the Roman administrative capital of Judea, the seat of the procurator, and the primary location for Roman legal proceedings. Jerusalem, while religiously significant to the Jews, was not the center of Roman legal authority for such cases. The Jewish leaders' request to transfer Paul to Jerusalem was a calculated attempt to exploit their local influence and bypass Roman legal safeguards, likely hoping for a biased trial or an opportunity for violence. Festus, as the new procurator, would have been keen to establish his authority and demonstrate adherence to Roman law, especially after Felix's somewhat lax administration. His insistence on a formal accusation in Caesarea aligns with standard Roman legal procedure, where accusers were expected to present their case in the proper court.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 25:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **Providence of God** in protecting His servants and guiding the spread of the gospel, even through seemingly hostile legal systems. Festus's refusal to transfer Paul inadvertently thwarts the Jewish plot, demonstrating divine oversight. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Persistent Opposition to the Gospel** and its messengers. The Jewish leaders' immediate and relentless pursuit of Paul, even under a new governor, illustrates their deep-seated animosity towards the Christian message and its proponents. This echoes earlier persecutions faced by the apostles, as seen in [Acts 4:1-22](/acts/4-1-22 "Acts 4:1-22 - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin") and [Acts 7:54-60](/acts/7-54-60 "Acts 7:54-60 - The Stoning of Stephen"). Finally, the passage emphasizes the **Integrity of Roman Justice** (at least in principle) compared to the malicious intent of Paul's accusers. Festus's demand for formal accusation and substantiated charges contrasts sharply with the Jewish leaders' desire for an ambush, showcasing the Roman commitment to a semblance of order and due process, which God often used to His own ends, as Paul later testifies in [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **able (Greek, _dynatós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be powerful," this word signifies possessing the inherent capacity, strength, or capability to do something. In this context, Festus challenges the Jewish leaders to demonstrate their actual ability and willingness to present a formal, legally sound case against Paul in Caesarea, implying that mere accusations are insufficient without the power of substantiation.
* **accuse (Greek, _katēgoréō'_):** This term means "to be a plaintiff" or "to charge with some offense." It carries the legal connotation of formally bringing charges against someone in a court of law. Festus's use of this word emphasizes the need for a proper legal proceeding, demanding that the accusers fulfill their role by presenting specific, actionable offenses rather than vague grievances or politically motivated demands.
* **if any (Greek, _eí tis'_):** This phrase introduces a conditional clause, implying uncertainty or a challenge regarding the existence of "wickedness." Festus is essentially saying, "if indeed there is any legitimate wrongdoing." It places the burden of proof squarely on the accusers, demanding that they demonstrate the validity of their claims rather than assuming Paul's guilt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able,"**: Festus, having refused the Jewish leaders' request to transfer Paul to Jerusalem, issues a counter-demand. He challenges those among them who are capable—those with the authority, desire, and evidence—to follow the proper legal channels. This is not merely an invitation but a direct challenge, implying that if they truly believe Paul is guilty, they should be prepared to prove it formally.
* **"go down with me,"**: This command specifies the location for the legal proceedings. Festus, as the Roman procurator, would be returning to Caesarea, the administrative capital. By instructing them to "go down with me," he asserts his authority and jurisdiction, making it clear that the trial will occur in the Roman seat of power, not in Jerusalem, where the Jewish leaders sought to exert their influence.
* **"and accuse this man,"**: This phrase clarifies the purpose of their journey to Caesarea: to formally present their charges against Paul in a Roman court. It underscores the requirement for a proper legal accusation, demanding specific allegations that can be examined under Roman law, rather than vague or unsubstantiated claims.
* **"if there be any wickedness in him."**: This conditional clause places the burden of proof entirely on the accusers. Festus implies a skepticism about the validity of their claims, challenging them to produce concrete evidence of actual "wickedness" or criminal wrongdoing. This statement highlights the Roman legal principle that accusations must be substantiated and not merely based on religious or political animosity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. There is a strong element of **Rhetorical Challenge** in Festus's words, as he effectively dares Paul's accusers to substantiate their claims in a legitimate court, knowing their previous attempts lacked concrete evidence. This challenge also carries a subtle **Irony**, as Festus, a pagan Roman governor, upholds a higher standard of legal integrity than the religious leaders who seek to circumvent justice through a murderous plot. Furthermore, the phrase "if there be any wickedness in him" functions as a form of **Understatement** or **Litotes**, subtly implying that Festus already doubts the existence of any genuine criminal offense, thereby highlighting the baseless nature of the accusations against Paul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:5 powerfully illustrates the tension between human malice and divine sovereignty. Even as the Jewish leaders plot evil against Paul, God uses the structures of Roman law and the integrity of a pagan governor to protect His servant and ensure the gospel's unhindered advance. This passage reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly authorities and circumstances, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, even through the imperfect mechanisms of human justice. It also underscores the persistent reality of false accusations against God's people, a theme woven throughout biblical history, and the importance of standing firm in truth, trusting that God will vindicate His own.

* [Proverbs 18:17](/proverbs/18-17 "Proverbs 18:17 - The First to Plead His Case Seems Right")
* [Matthew 10:18](/matthew/10-18 "Matthew 10:18 - Bearing Witness Before Governors")
* [1 Peter 3:16](/1_peter/3-16 "1 Peter 3:16 - Suffering for Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 25:5 offers profound insights for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that opposition to the gospel and its messengers is not new; it is a recurring theme throughout history. Like Paul, we may face unfounded accusations, malicious intent, or attempts to undermine our witness. In such moments, this verse encourages us to remain steadfast, trusting in God's protective hand and His ability to use even adversarial circumstances for His glory. Secondly, Festus's insistence on due process and substantiated claims serves as a reminder of the importance of truth and integrity, even in the face of injustice. We are called to live lives of unimpeachable character, so that when accusations arise, they are proven baseless. Finally, the passage highlights that God can work through secular systems and authorities, even those not explicitly aligned with His kingdom, to achieve His divine purposes. This should encourage us to pray for and respect governing authorities, recognizing that they are appointed by God and can be instruments in His hands, whether they realize it or not. Our ultimate trust, however, remains in the Lord, who is the righteous Judge and our ultimate vindicator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Festus's response in this verse demonstrate God's providential care for Paul, even amidst hostile intentions?**
* **In what ways might believers today face "unsubstantiated accusations" or attempts to undermine their witness, and how can we respond with integrity?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of due process and truthfulness in legal or relational conflicts?**
* **How can we trust God's sovereignty when we encounter seemingly unfair or malicious opposition in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did Festus insist that Paul's accusers go down to Caesarea, rather than bringing Paul to Jerusalem as they requested?**

Answer: Festus insisted that Paul's accusers come to Caesarea for several crucial reasons, all rooted in Roman legal protocol and his strategic awareness. Firstly, Caesarea was the official Roman administrative capital of Judea, serving as the seat of the procurator and the proper venue for major legal proceedings. Bringing Paul to Jerusalem, as the Jewish leaders requested, would have been an irregular and potentially dangerous deviation from established procedure. Secondly, Festus was likely aware of, or at least suspected, the Jewish leaders' true motive: not merely a trial, but an ambush and assassination plot against Paul on the road (as explicitly stated in [Acts 25:3](/acts/25-3 "Acts 25:3 - The Jewish Plot Against Paul")). By demanding they come to Caesarea, Festus thwarted this plot, ensuring Paul's safety within the Roman stronghold. Finally, as a new governor, Festus needed to establish his authority and demonstrate his adherence to Roman law and order, contrasting with the previous governor Felix, who had left Paul imprisoned without resolution ([Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Felix Leaves Paul in Prison")). His demand for a formal accusation in the proper court underscored his commitment to due process and prevented the Jewish leaders from manipulating the legal system for their own malicious ends.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:5, while detailing Paul's legal predicament, subtly points to the greater narrative of Christ's own trials and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan. Paul, like his Lord, faced relentless, unfounded accusations from religious authorities who sought his condemnation. Just as Festus challenged the Jewish leaders to present their "wickedness" against Paul, Jesus Himself stood before Pilate, a Roman governor, enduring baseless charges ([Matthew 27:11-14](/matthew/27-11-14 "Matthew 27:11-14 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Christ, the truly innocent One, allowed Himself to be accused, condemned, and crucified, not because of any actual "wickedness" in Him, but to become the perfect sacrifice for the "wickedness" of humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Paul's journey through Roman courts, though harrowing, ultimately served to proclaim the gospel to Gentiles and even to Caesar's household ([Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Gospel Advancement Through Imprisonment")), mirroring how Christ's suffering and apparent defeat on the cross led to the ultimate victory over sin and death, opening the way for all nations to hear the good news. Thus, Paul's experience in Acts 25:5 is a powerful echo of Christ's perfect submission to divine will, which transformed human injustice into the very means of salvation for the world.

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 25:18

Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

Acts 25:19

But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

Acts 25:25

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Acts 25:16

To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

John 18:29

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

John 18:30

They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

Acts 24:8

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.