King James Version

What Does Acts 25:27 Mean?

Acts 25:27 in the King James Version says “For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.”

Acts 25:27 · KJV

Context

25

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

26

Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

27

For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

Read Acts 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him—Festus's frustration: ἄλογον γάρ μοι δοκεῖ (alogon gar moi dokei, 'For unreasonable it seems to me') to send (πέμποντα δέσμιον, pemponta desmion, 'sending a prisoner') without specifying (μὴ καὶ σημᾶναι, mē kai sēmanai, 'not also to indicate') τὰς κατ᾽ αὐτοῦ αἰτίας (tas kat' autou aitias, 'the charges against him').

This verse exposes the absurdity of Paul's situation: imprisoned for years, demanded dead by Jewish leaders, yet no actual crimes identified. Festus's administrative embarrassment becomes a testimony to Paul's innocence and Christianity's legal status. The governor's candid admission before this assembled court provides official documentation that Paul—and by extension, the Christian faith he represents—is guilty of no crime against Rome. This will prove crucial as Christianity spreads; enemies cannot claim it was judged criminal by Roman officials.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This statement, made before witnesses including King Agrippa, Roman military commanders, and civic leaders of Caesarea, constitutes near-official exoneration of Paul and Christianity. While not a formal legal judgment, Festus's public acknowledgment that sending Paul without charges would be 'unreasonable' establishes precedent. Early Christian apologists later cited such official acknowledgments when defending Christianity's legal status. The scene fulfills Jesus's prophecy that His followers would testify before 'governors and kings...for a testimony against them' (Matthew 10:18)—Paul's very presence, with no sustainable charges, testifies against his accusers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Festus's frustration at having no charges to write actually serve as powerful evidence for Christianity's innocence before civil law?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of maintaining good testimony and giving no legitimate grounds for accusation?
  3. In what ways might God use even the procedural difficulties of unbelieving authorities to advance and protect gospel work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἄλογον1 of 13

“unreasonable”

G249

irrational

γάρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μοι3 of 13

“to me”

G3427

to me

δοκεῖ4 of 13

“it seemeth”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

πέμποντα5 of 13

“to send”

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

δέσμιον6 of 13

“a prisoner”

G1198

a captive (as bound)

μὴ7 of 13

“not withal”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

καὶ8 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰς9 of 13
G3588

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

κατ'10 of 13

“laid against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

αὐτοῦ11 of 13

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

αἰτίας12 of 13

“the crimes”

G156

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

σημᾶναι13 of 13

“to signify”

G4591

to indicate

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 25:27 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 25:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 7:51Proverbs 18:13

Places in This Verse

RomeSettlement · Modern: Rome · 41.89°N, 12.49°E15 verses across 3 books
View all places in Acts 25 →

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 25 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes