Acts 25 · Verse 4

Acts 25:4

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Acts 25:4, King James Version

Acts 25:4 in other translations

BSBBut Festus replied, “Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.
WEBHowever Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly.
ASVHowbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Cæsarea, and that he himself was about to depart thither shortly.
YLTThen, indeed, Festus answered that Paul is kept in Caesarea, and himself is about speedily to go on thither,
DARBYFestus therefore answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to set out shortly.
BBEBut Festus, in answer, said that Paul was being kept in prison at Caesarea, and that in a short time he himself was going there.
WebsterBut Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

What does Acts 25:4 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 25:4-6
4-6. answered that Paul should be kept--rather, "is in custody." at Cæsarea, and ... himself would depart shortly thither.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 4. But Festus answered, etc. What induced Festus to refuse their request, is not known. It is probable, however, that he was apprized that Paul was a Roman citizen, and that his case could not come before the Jewish sanhedrim, but must be heard by himself. As Cesarea was also at that time the residence of the Roman governor, and the place of holding the courts, and as Paul was lodged there safely, there did not appear any sufficient reason for removing him to Jerusalem for trial. Festus, however, granted them all that they could reasonably ask, and assured them that he should have a speedy trial.

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 4 Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea - It is truly astonishing that Festus should refuse this favor to the heads of the Jewish nation, which, to those who were not in the secret, must appear so very reasonable; and especially as, on his coming to the government, it might be considered an act that was likely to make him popular; and he could have no interest in denying their request. But God had told Paul that he should testify of him at Rome; and he disposed the heart of Festus to act as he did; and thus disappointed the malice of the Jews, and fulfilled his own gracious design. He - would depart shortly - So had the providence of God disposed matters that Festus was obliged to return speedily to Caesarea; and thus had not time to preside in such a trial at Jerusalem. And this reason must appear sufficient to the Jews; and especially as he gave them all liberty to come and appear against him, who were able to prove the alleged charges.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Acts 25:1-12

See how restless malice is. Persecutors deem it a peculiar favour to have their malice gratified. Preaching Christ, the end of the law, was no offence against the law. In suffering times the prudence of the Lord's people is tried, as well as their patience; they need wisdom. It becomes those who are innocent, to insist upon their innocence. Paul was willing to abide by the rules of the law, and to let that take its…

Read the full comment on Acts 25:1-12 →

Acts 25:4 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ὉHo<the>G3588
μὲνmenIndeedG3303
οὖνounthereforeG3767
ΦῆστοςPhēstosFestusG5347
ἀπεκρίθηapekrithēanswered thatG611
τηρεῖσθαιtēreisthaiis to be keptG5083
τὸνton<the>G3588
ΠαῦλονPaulonPaulG3972
εἰςeisinG1519
Καισάρειαν,KaisareianCaesarea,G2542
ἑαυτὸνhe'autonhe himselfG1438
δὲdehoweverG1161
μέλλεινmelleinensuingG3195
ἐνenwithG1722
τάχειtacheispeedG5034
ἐκπορεύεσθαι·ekporeuesthaito set out;G1607

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Acts 25:4

  • Acts 24:23

    And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Context

  • Acts 25:3

    And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

  • Acts 25:4

    But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

  • Acts 25:5

    Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

Read all of Acts 25

Acts 25:4 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Mas Festo respondió, que Pablo estaba guardado en Cesarea, y que él mismo partiría presto.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Festus donc répondit que Paul serait gardé à Césarée, et que lui-même allait bientôt partir.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Festus nun antwortete, Paulus werde in Cäsarea behalten, er selbst aber wolle in Kürze abreisen.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Festus autem respondit servari Paulum in Cæsarea: se autem maturius profecturum.