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?

But {G1161} Festus {G5347}, willing {G2309} to do {G2698} the Jews {G2453} a pleasure {G5485}, answered {G611} Paul {G3972}, and said {G2036}, Wilt thou {G2309} go up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}, and there {G1563} be judged {G2919} of {G4012} these things {G5130} before {G1909} me {G1700}?

But Festus, wanting to do the Judeans a favor, asked Sha’ul, “Would you be willing to go up to Yerushalayim and be tried before me there on these charges?”

But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?”

But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

Context of Acts 25:9

This verse is part of the ongoing narrative of the Apostle Paul's imprisonment and trials in Judea. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem, accused by Jewish leaders, and held by the Roman governor Felix for two years (Acts 24:27). Porcius Festus had recently succeeded Felix as governor. Upon arriving in Caesarea, Festus quickly faced the persistent accusations from the Jewish high priest and leading men who had come from Jerusalem, urging him to transfer Paul back to Jerusalem for trial.

Festus, eager to establish good relations with the influential Jewish populace and avoid immediate unrest, considered their request. His question to Paul in this verse reveals his motivation: "willing to do the Jews a pleasure" – a clear indication of political expediency overriding pure judicial impartiality.

Key Themes in Acts 25:9

  • Political Expediency vs. Justice: Festus's primary concern here is not necessarily to discover the truth or administer strict justice, but to gain favor with the Jewish leaders and maintain peace in a volatile province. This highlights the tension between political maneuvering and righteous judgment.
  • Compromise Under Pressure: The governor is under significant pressure from the Jewish authorities, who likely sought to have Paul in Jerusalem where they could exert more control over the proceedings or even arrange an ambush (as they had attempted previously in Acts 23:15). Festus's proposal for Paul to be judged in Jerusalem "before me" was a perceived compromise – satisfying the Jews' desire for a Jerusalem trial while still maintaining Roman oversight.
  • Paul's Vulnerability and Steadfastness: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, Festus's proposal puts Paul in a precarious position. Paul knew the dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem and the deep-seated animosity of his accusers. His response to this proposal, which leads to his appeal to Caesar, demonstrates his unwavering resolve and reliance on Roman law for protection, ultimately fulfilling God's plan for him to testify in Rome (Acts 23:11).

Practical Application

Acts 25:9 serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority may sometimes prioritize personal or political gain over truth and justice. For believers, this verse encourages:

  • Discerning Motivations: We should be aware that decisions made by authorities may not always be purely just, but influenced by external pressures or personal agendas.
  • Standing for Truth: Like Paul, who refused to be swayed by such politically motivated proposals, we are called to stand firm in our convictions and seek true justice, even when it is inconvenient or dangerous.
  • Trusting God's Providence: Despite the human machinations, God's sovereign plan for Paul's ministry continued to unfold, demonstrating that even through unjust situations, God can guide His servants to fulfill His purposes. We can trust that God works in all circumstances for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
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 24:27

    But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

  • 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.

  • Acts 12:3

    And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

  • Mark 15:15

    ¶ And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

  • Acts 25:3

    And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

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