A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 25

Having come into the province (επιβας τη επαρχεια). Second aorist active participle of επιβαινω, to set foot upon. Literally, "Having set foot upon his province." Επαρχεια is a late word for province, in N.T. only here and 23:34. Judea was not strictly a province, but a department (Page) of the province of Syria which was under a propraetor (λεγατυς Χαεσαρις) while Judea was under a procurator (επιτροπος).

After three days (μετα τρεις ημερας). So in Ac 28:17 in Rome. That is on the third day, with a day of rest in between. Precisely the language used of the resurrection of Jesus "after three days" = "on the third day." So by common usage then and now.

The principal men (ο πρωτο). The first men, the leading men of the city, besides the chief priests. In verse 15 we have "the chief priests and the elders." These chief men among the Jews would desire to pay their respects to the new Procurator on his first visit to Jerusalem. There was another high priest now, Ishmael in place of Ananias.

Informed him against Paul (ενεφανισαν αυτω κατα του Παυλου). "This renewal of the charge after two years, on the very first opportunity, is a measure, not only of their unsleeping hatred, but of the importance which they attached to Paul's influence" (Furneaux).

Besought (παρεκαλουν). Imperfect active, kept on beseeching as a special favour to the Jews.

Asking favour against him (αιτουμενο χαριν κατ' αυτου). A favour to themselves (middle voice), not to Paul, but "against" (κατ', down, against) him.

That he would send for (οπως μεταπεμψητα). First aorist middle subjunctive of μεταπεμπω (see 24:24,26) with final particle οπως like ινα. Aorist tense for single case.

Laying wait (ενεδραν ποιουντες). See on 23:16 for the word ενεδρα. Old idiom (Thucydides) for laying a plot or ambush as here. Only these two uses of ενεδρα in N.T. Two years before the Sanhedrin had agreed to the plot of the forty conspirators. Now they propose one on their own initiative.

On the way (κατα την οδον). Down along, up and down along the way. Plenty of opportunity would occur between Caesarea and Jerusalem for ambush and surprise attacks.

Howbeit (μεν ουν). No antithesis expressed, though Page considers δε in verse 6 to be one. They probably argued that it was easier for one man (Paul) to come to Jerusalem than for many to go down there. But Festus was clearly suspicious (verse 6) and was wholly within his rights to insist that they make their charges in Caesarea where he held court.

Was kept in charge (τηρεισθα). Present passive infinitive of τηρεω in indirect assertion. Hοτ with finite verb is more common after αποκρινομα, but the infinitive with the accusative of general reference is proper as here (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1036).

Shortly (εν ταχε). In quickness, in speed. Old and common usage, seen already in Lu 18:8; Acts 12:7; 22:18. Festus is clearly within his rights again since his stay in Caesarea had been so brief. He did go down in "eight or ten days" (verse 6). Luke did not consider the matter important enough to be precise.

Them therefore which are of power among you (ο ουν εν υμιν δυνατο). "The mighty ones among you," "the men of power" (δυνατο) and authority, "the first men," the Sanhedrin, in other words. Note change here by Luke from indirect discourse in verse 4, to direct in verse 5 (φησιν, says he).

Go down with me (συνκαταβαντες). Double compound (συν, κατα) second aorist active participle of συνκαταβαινω. It was a fair proposal.

If there is anything amiss in the man (ε τ εστιν εν τω ανδρ ατοπον). Condition of the first class, assuming that there is (to be courteous to them), but not committing himself on the merits of the case. Ατοπον is an old word, specially common in Plato, meaning "out of place." In N.T. only here and Lu 23:41 which see; Acts 28:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:2. Note present tense active voice of κατηγορειτωσαν (imperative) of κατηγορεω, repeat their accusations.