King James Version

What Does Acts 25:20 Mean?

Acts 25:20 in the King James Version says “And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. I doubted: or, I was doubtful how to enquire hereof”

Acts 25:20 · KJV

Context

18

Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

19

But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

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. I doubted: or, I was doubtful how to enquire hereof

21

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. hearing: or, judgment

22

Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

Read Acts 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And because I doubted of such manner of questions—Festus's candid admission: ἀπορούμενος (aporoumenos, 'being at a loss, perplexed') about τὴν περὶ τούτων ζήτησιν (tēn peri toutōn zētēsin, 'the inquiry concerning these things'). He's honest about his incompetence to judge Jewish theological disputes. This wasn't Roman jurisdiction—theology wasn't a legal category unless it threatened public order.

I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters—Festus's proposal (ἔλεγον εἰ βούλοιτο πορεύεσθαι, elegon ei bouloito poreuesthai, 'I was asking if he might wish to go') seems reasonable but was actually dangerous. Paul knew the ambush plot (23:12-15) and that the Sanhedrin couldn't give him a fair trial. Festus's suggestion, though presented as accommodation to Paul, was politically motivated—passing a difficult case to Jewish authorities. This sets up Paul's appeal to Caesar in verse 11, which would finally bring him to Rome as God intended (23:11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman officials could refer cases involving Jewish law to the Sanhedrin, especially under a new governor unsure of local dynamics. Festus had been in office only days when the Jewish leaders pressed Paul's case. His offer to try Paul in Jerusalem was politically astute—it would curry favor with Jewish leadership—but legally questionable since Paul was a Roman citizen in Roman custody. The proposal reveals Festus's political calculation over strict justice. Paul's appeal to Caesar was his legal right as a citizen and would remove the case from Festus's jurisdiction entirely.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Festus's honest perplexity about theological matters illustrate the necessity of the Holy Spirit to understand spiritual truth?
  2. What does Paul's refusal to accept trial in Jerusalem teach about wisdom in recognizing danger disguised as accommodation?
  3. In what situations should Christians refuse seemingly reasonable compromises that actually endanger gospel faithfulness or personal safety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἀπορούμενος1 of 18

“doubted”

G639

to have no way out, i.e., be at a loss (mentally)

δὲ2 of 18

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγὼ3 of 18

“because I”

G1473

i, me

εἰς4 of 18

“of”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν5 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περὶ6 of 18

“manner”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτου7 of 18

“such”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

ζήτησιν8 of 18

“of questions”

G2214

a searching (properly, the act), i.e., a dispute or its theme

ἔλεγον9 of 18

“I asked”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

εἰ10 of 18

“him whether”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

βούλοιτο11 of 18

“he would”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

πορεύεσθαι12 of 18

“go”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς13 of 18

“of”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλήμ14 of 18

“Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

κἀκεῖ15 of 18

“and there”

G2546

likewise in that place

κρίνεσθαι16 of 18

“be judged”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

περὶ17 of 18

“manner”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτων18 of 18

“these matters”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

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 25:20 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 25:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 25:9

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Acts 25 →

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