251 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,
251 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
251 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
251 Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take up his duties as governor, he went up to Jerusalem.
251 Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
251 Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem,
4 Festus answered, "Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.
4 Festus answered that Caesarea was the proper jurisdiction for Paul, and that he himself was going back there in a few days.
4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly.
4 But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon.
(Read Acts 25:1-12)
See how restless malice is. Persecutors deem it a peculiar favour to have their malice gratified. Preaching Christ, the end of the law, was no offence against the law. In suffering times the prudence of the Lord's people is tried, as well as their patience; they need wisdom. It becomes those who are innocent, to insist upon their innocence. Paul was willing to abide by the rules of the law, and to let that take its course. If he deserved death, he would accept the punishment. But if none of the things whereof they accused him were true, no man could deliver him unto them, with justice. Paul is neither released nor condemned. It is an instance of the slow steps which Providence takes; by which we are often made ashamed, both of our hopes and of our fears, and are kept waiting on God.
6 After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more
6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.
6 About eight or ten days later, Festus returned to Caesarea. The next morning he took his place in the courtroom and had Paul brought in.
6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought.
6 About eight or ten days later Festus returned to Caesarea, and on the following day he took his seat in court and ordered that Paul be brought in.
(Read Acts 25:1-12)
See how restless malice is. Persecutors deem it a peculiar favour to have their malice gratified. Preaching Christ, the end of the law, was no offence against the law. In suffering times the prudence of the Lord's people is tried, as well as their patience; they need wisdom. It becomes those who are innocent, to insist upon their innocence. Paul was willing to abide by the rules of the law, and to let that take its course. If he deserved death, he would accept the punishment. But if none of the things whereof they accused him were true, no man could deliver him unto them, with justice. Paul is neither released nor condemned. It is an instance of the slow steps which Providence takes; by which we are often made ashamed, both of our hopes and of our fears, and are kept waiting on God.
13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
13 A few days later King Agrippa and his wife, Bernice, visited Caesarea to welcome Festus to his new post.
13 And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.
13 A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice, to pay their respects to Festus.
(Read Acts 25:13-27)
Agrippa had the government of Galilee. How many unjust and hasty judgments the Roman maxim, verse 16, condemn! This heathen, guided only by the light of nature, followed law and custom exactly, yet how many Christians will not follow the rules of truth, justice, and charity, in judging their brethren! The questions about God's worship, the way of salvation, and the truths of the gospel, may appear doubtful and without interest, to worldly men and mere politicians. See how slightly this Roman speaks of Christ, and of the great controversy between the Jews and the Christians. But the day is at hand when Festus and the whole world will see, that all the concerns of the Roman empire were but trifles and of no consequence, compared with this question of Christ's resurrection. Those who have had means of instruction, and have despised them, will be awfully convinced of their sin and folly. Here was a noble assembly brought together to hear the truths of the gospel, though they only meant to gratify their curiosity by attending to the defence of a prisoner. Many, even now, attend at the places of hearing the word of God with "great pomp," and too often with no better motive than curiosity. And though ministers do not now stand as prisoners to make a defence for their lives, yet numbers affect to sit in judgment upon them, desirous to make them offenders for a word, rather than to learn from them the truth and will of God, for the salvation of their souls But the pomp of this appearance was outshone by the real glory of the poor prisoner at the bar. What was the honour of their fine appearance, compared with that of Paul's wisdom, and grace, and holiness; his courage and constancy in suffering for Christ! It is no small mercy to have God clear up our righteousness as the light, and our just dealing as the noon-day; to have nothing certain laid to our charge. And God makes even the enemies of his people to do them right.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 25:1
Commentary on Acts 25:1-12
(Read Acts 25:1-12)
See how restless malice is. Persecutors deem it a peculiar favour to have their malice gratified. Preaching Christ, the end of the law, was no offence against the law. In suffering times the prudence of the Lord's people is tried, as well as their patience; they need wisdom. It becomes those who are innocent, to insist upon their innocence. Paul was willing to abide by the rules of the law, and to let that take its course. If he deserved death, he would accept the punishment. But if none of the things whereof they accused him were true, no man could deliver him unto them, with justice. Paul is neither released nor condemned. It is an instance of the slow steps which Providence takes; by which we are often made ashamed, both of our hopes and of our fears, and are kept waiting on God.