4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
4 Festus answered, "Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.
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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 25:4
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.