Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 25:9

"But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?" — Acts 25:9 (ASV)

Festus was at a loss to know what to make of the Jewish charges and Paul’s denials (cf. vv.18–20a). Yet the Sanhedrin plainly wanted the case transferred to Jerusalem for trial; and as the new governor of Judea, Festus saw no reason why he could not concede the Jews this. He seems not to have fully appreciated what lay behind their request and apparently thought it would be politically wise to gain their goodwill by a change of venue.