King James Version
What Does Acts 25:2 Mean?
“Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,”
Acts 25:2 · KJV
Context
1
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
3
And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
4
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul—the Greek enephanisan (ἐνεφάνισαν) means 'made clear charges,' using legal terminology. The phrase and besought him (parekaloun, παρεκάλουν) indicates persistent, urgent entreaty. After two years (Acts 24:27), the Jewish leadership immediately revived Paul's case with the new governor, revealing their undiminished hostility. Their 'informing' was accusatory intelligence meant to prejudice Festus before he heard evidence—a manipulation of justice through political pressure.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The high priest at this time was likely Ishmael ben Phabi, appointed by Agrippa II. 'Chief of the Jews' refers to Sanhedrin leaders and influential priests who wielded political power with Roman authorities.
Reflection Questions
- How does persistent opposition to God's servants reveal the spiritual battle underlying visible circumstances?
- What does the leaders' immediate action upon Festus' arrival teach about the vigilance required to protect truth against political manipulation?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 16 wordsαὐτὸν3 of 16
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀρχιερεύς5 of 16
“the high priest”
G749the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ6 of 16
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατὰ11 of 16
“against”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Παύλου13 of 16
“Paul”
G3972(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ14 of 16
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρεκάλουν15 of 16
“besought”
G3870to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτὸν16 of 16
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Acts 25:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Acts 25:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge