King James Version
What Does Acts 25:5 Mean?
“Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.”
Acts 25:5 · KJV
Context
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.
5
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6
And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. more: or, as some copies read, no more than eight or ten days
7
And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryLet them therefore... which among you are able (οἱ δυνατοί, hoi dynatoi)—Festus invites 'the powerful ones' (Jewish leaders) to accompany him, revealing his awareness of the case's political complexity. His phrase if there be any wickedness in him (ἄτοπόν, atopon—'anything out of place, improper') shows presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of Roman jurisprudence.
The conditional 'if' is legally significant. Festus refuses to assume guilt, requiring accusers to prove charges through proper legal procedure. This contrasts sharply with the mob violence and assassination plots that characterized earlier Jewish attempts to eliminate Paul.
The conditional 'if' is legally significant. Festus refuses to assume guilt, requiring accusers to prove charges through proper legal procedure. This contrasts sharply with the mob violence and assassination plots that characterized earlier Jewish attempts to eliminate Paul.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman legal procedure required formal accusation, evidence, and defense. The 'able' (powerful) accusers would have been Sanhedrin members or chief priests, as common Jews lacked standing to bring capital charges. Festus's invitation acknowledges their religious authority while asserting Roman legal supremacy.
Reflection Questions
- How does the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' reflect God's justice and protect the vulnerable?
- What does Festus's careful language teach about maintaining neutrality when faced with politically charged accusations?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 17 wordsαὐτοῦ17 of 17
“this”
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 25:5 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 25:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge