Acts 25 — Tyndale Study Notes
Acts.24.27-25.5
Felix’s successor was Porcius Festus, appointed by Nero to be governor of Judea about AD 59~62. Josephus describes Festus as a conscientious, honest administrator who was not able to stem the rising tide of Jewish unrest despite his strong action against the party of the Assassins (Josephus, Antiquities 20.8.10; cp. Acts 21:38). He resisted the Jewish leaders’ attempt to have Paul’s trial moved to Jerusalem, but he was not immune to their pressure (25:9).
Acts.25.7
The serious accusations were probably those raised previously (21:27-28; 24:5-9), but the accusations were unsupported by the evidence (24:10-13).
Acts.25.9
Festus, wanting to please the Jews: The governor would later state his official reason for delaying Paul’s trial and asking to move it to Jerusalem (25:17-20). His request was driven by politics, however, not justice.
Acts.25.10-11
Festus’s suggestion that Paul be tried in Jerusalem motivated the apostle’s appeal to Caesar. Paul was not afraid of death, but he objected to being turned over to a biased court intent on murder, not justice (25:7).
Acts.25.12
Festus granted Paul’s appeal. This fulfilled Paul’s conviction that he must see Rome (19:21; see also 23:11; 27:24; Rom 1:13-15; 15:22-29).
Acts.25.13-22
Festus discussed Paul’s case with Herod Agrippa II (ruled AD 50–100), who had come to Caesarea to make a courtesy call on the new governor.
Acts.25.16
It was a fundamental principle: Roman law did not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves (cp. 19:38-39). This put Roman judicial procedure in a favorable light for readers of Acts.
Acts.25.17
I didn’t delay: In contrast with Felix, his predecessor (24:22-27).
Acts.25.18-20
These verses give Festus’s official reasons for his actions; see also 25:9. There were no criminal accusations against Paul; the objections were about their religion and centered on Paul’s claim that Jesus . . . is alive.
Acts.25.23-27
Paul’s hearing before King Agrippa was accompanied by all the pomp and circumstance appropriate for an official royal visit. The main purpose of the hearing was for Agrippa to advise Festus on what he should write in the appeal to Caesar, for there was no clear charge against Paul, and Festus himself believed Paul had done nothing deserving death.