Acts 25:7

And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

And {G1161} when he {G846} was come {G3854}, the Jews {G2453} which came down {G2597} from {G575} Jerusalem {G2414} stood round about {G4026}, and {G2532} laid {G5342} many {G4183} and grievous {G926} complaints {G157} against {G2596} Paul {G3972}, which {G3739} they could {G2480} not {G3756} prove {G584}.

When he arrived, the Judeans who had come down from Yerushalayim stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him which they could not prove.

When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove.

And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove;

Commentary

Acts 25:7 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's legal saga, highlighting the persistent and unfounded accusations brought against him by Jewish leaders before the new Roman governor, Festus.

Context of Acts 25:7

This verse immediately follows Governor Festus's arrival in Caesarea and his decision to hear Paul's case, which had been left unresolved by his predecessor, Felix (Acts 24:27). The Jewish delegation, eager to see Paul condemned, traveled from Jerusalem to Caesarea to press their charges. This journey underscores their deep-seated animosity and determination to bring Paul to justice from their perspective. They had previously attempted to ambush Paul on the road (Acts 25:3), but Festus insisted on a proper legal hearing in Caesarea. The scene depicts Paul surrounded by his accusers, a common visual for trials in the Roman world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persistent Opposition: The verse powerfully illustrates the relentless opposition Paul faced from certain Jewish factions. Despite multiple hearings and previous failures to secure a conviction, they continued their pursuit, showcasing deep-seated religious and political animosity towards Paul's ministry and message.
  • False Accusations: The core message is that the "many and grievous complaints" were ultimately unsubstantiated. This highlights a recurring theme in the biblical narrative where righteous individuals face false witness and unjust charges from their adversaries.
  • Paul's Legal Innocence: The critical phrase "which they could not prove" emphasizes Paul's legal innocence in the eyes of Roman law concerning the specific charges laid against him (sedition, profaning the Temple, or leading a new sect). This divine providence ensured Paul's survival and allowed him to eventually appeal to Caesar.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "grievous complaints" translates the Greek word βαρέα (barea), which literally means "heavy" or "weighty." This indicates that the accusations were not trivial but were intended to be very serious, potentially capital offenses like treason against Rome or sacrilege against the Temple, which could carry the death penalty. Yet, despite their gravity, the accusers lacked concrete evidence.

Practical Application

Acts 25:7 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Dealing with Unjust Criticism: Like Paul, Christians may face unfair or false accusations due to their faith or actions. This verse reminds us that such opposition is not new and that truth often prevails over baseless claims.
  • Standing Firm in Truth: Paul's steadfastness amidst such pressure serves as an example of maintaining integrity and trusting in God's justice, even when surrounded by hostility.
  • God's Sovereignty in Adversity: Even in a hostile legal environment, God's plan for Paul's ministry to the Gentiles continued to unfold. This passage implicitly points to God's hand in protecting Paul, allowing him to eventually appeal to Caesar and preach the Gospel in Rome (Acts 28:30-31).
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Cross-References

  • Acts 24:13

    Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

  • Luke 23:2

    And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

  • Acts 25:24

    And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and [also] here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

  • Luke 23:10

    And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

  • Acts 24:5

    For we have found this man [a] pestilent [fellow], and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

  • Acts 24:6

    Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

  • Psalms 27:12

    Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
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