Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 25

CHAPTER 25

Now when Festus was come. (See Barnes on Acts 24:27).

Into the province. The province of Judea; for Judea at that time was a Roman province.

After three days. Having remained three days at Caesarea.

He ascended. This was the usual language that described a journey to Jerusalem. Thus, English people speak of going up to London, because it is the capital. (See Barnes on Acts 15:1).

To Jerusalem. The governors of Judea at this time usually resided at Caesarea; but as Jerusalem had been the former capital; as it was still the seat of the religious solemnities; as the Sanhedrin held its meetings there; and as the prominent, rich, and learned men, and the priests resided there, it is evident that a full knowledge of the state of the province could be obtained only there. Festus therefore, having entered upon the duties of his office, early went to Jerusalem to acquaint himself with the affairs of the nation.

Then the High Priest. The high priest at this time was Ismael, the son of Fabi. He had been promoted to that office by Agrippa. Josephus' Antiq. b. xx. ch. viii. & 8. It is probable, however, that the person here intended was Ananias, who had been high priest, and who would retain the name. (See Barnes on Acts 23:2).

Some Mss. read high priests here, in the plural number, and this reading is approved by Mill and Griesbach. There is, however, no improbability in supposing that the high priest Ismael might have been also as much enraged against Paul as the others.

Informed him against Paul. Informed him of the accusation against him; and doubtless endeavoured to prejudice the mind of Festus against him. They thus showed their unrelenting disposition. It might have been supposed that after two years this unjust prosecution would be abandoned and forgotten. But malice does not thus forget its object; and the spirit of persecution is not thus satisfied.

It is evident that there was here every probability that injustice would be done to Paul, and that the mind of Festus would be biased against him. He was a stranger to Paul and to the embittered feelings of the Jewish character; he would wish to conciliate their favour on entering on the duties of his office. And a strong representation, therefore, made by the chief men of the nation, would be likely to prejudice him violently against Paul and to unfit him for the exercise of impartial justice.

And desired favour against him. They desired the favour of Festus so that they could accomplish their wicked purpose against Paul.

Would send for him to Jerusalem. This request was probably made under the pretense that he might be tried by the Sanhedrin, or perhaps they wished Festus to hear the case there and decide it while he was at Jerusalem. Their real motive is immediately stated.

Laying wait in the way to kill him. That is, they intended to lie in wait, or they would employ a band of Sicarii, or assassins, to take his life on the journey. See Barnes on Acts 21:38; see also Barnes on Acts 23:12.

It is altogether probable that if this request had been granted, Paul would have been killed. But God had promised him that he would bear witness to the truth at Rome (Acts 23:11); and His providence was remarkable in thus influencing the mind of the Roman governor and defeating the plans of the Jewish council.

But Festus answered, etc. What led Festus to refuse their request is not known. It is probable, however, that he was aware that Paul was a Roman citizen, and that his case could not come before the Jewish Sanhedrin but must be heard by him. Caesarea was also the residence of the Roman governor at that time and the place where courts were held. Furthermore, Paul was securely lodged there. Consequently, there did not appear to be any sufficient reason to move him to Jerusalem for trial. Festus, however, granted them all that they could reasonably ask and assured them that Paul would have a speedy trial.

Which among you are able. Enjoy all the advantages of a just trial, and exhibit your accusations with all the learning and talent in your power. This was all that they could reasonably ask from him.