A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 25:20

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Acts 25:20

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Acts 25:20

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"And I, being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters." — Acts 25:20 (ASV)

Being perplexed (απορουμενος). Present middle participle of the common verb απορεω (α privative and πορος way), to be in doubt which way to turn, already in Mr 6:20 which see and Lu 24:4. The Textus Receptus has εις after here, but critical text has only the accusative which this verb allows as in Thucydides and Plato.

How to inquire concerning these things (την περ τουτων ζητησιν). Literally, "as to the inquiry concerning these things." This is not the reason given by Luke in verse 9 (wanting to curry favour with the Jews), but doubtless this motive also actuated Festus as both could be true.

Whether he would go to Jerusalem (ε βουλοιτο πορευεσθα εις Ιεροσολυμα). Optative in indirect question after ελεγον (asked or said) imperfect active, though the present indicative could have been retained with change of person: "Dost thou wish, etc.," (ε βουλη, etc.). See Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1031, 1044. This is the question put to Paul in verse 9 though θελεις is there used.