Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 25:12

"Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Thou hast appealed unto Caesar: unto Caesar shalt thou go." — Acts 25:12 (ASV)

When he had conferred with the council. With his associate judges, or with those who were his counselors in the administration of justice. They were made up of the leading individuals, probably military as well as civil, who were with him, and who were his assistants in the administration of the affairs of the province.

Unto Caesar shalt thou go. He was willing in this way to rid himself of this trial, and of the vexation attending it. He did not dare to deliver him to the Jews in violation of the Roman laws; and he was not willing to do justice to Paul, and thus make himself unpopular with the Jews. He was, therefore, probably rejoiced at the opportunity of thus freeing himself from all the trouble in the case, in a manner against which none could object.