Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

ACTS 25:12KJV
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Acts 25:12 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:12 mean?

Acts 25:12 describes how the Roman governor Festus, after discussing with his advisors, tells Paul that since he has appealed to Caesar, he will indeed be sent to Rome to have his case heard there. This verse marks the official decision that Paul's trial will move from Judea to the highest Roman court.

In this scene, Festus is speaking to Paul, who has been on trial before the Roman authorities in Caesarea. Paul, as a Roman citizen, has exercised his right to appeal his case directly to Caesar (the emperor) in Rome, rather than be judged locally. Festus consults with his council (a group of advisors) and then formally announces that Paul's request will be honored, setting the stage for Paul's journey to Rome.

The Greek behind Acts 25:12

  • συμβουλευθείς (symbouleutheis, "conferred"): This word means to consult or deliberate with others. It shows that Festus did not act alone but sought advice from his council before making this important legal decision.
  • συνέδριον (synedrion, "council"): This refers to an official advisory group. In this context, it highlights the formal and legal nature of the proceedings, not just a personal decision by Festus.
  • ἐπικαλέω (epikaleō, "appealed"): The Greek here carries the sense of formally invoking a higher authority. Paul is not just asking, but officially claiming his right as a Roman citizen to have his case heard by Caesar.
  • Καῖσαρ (Kaisar, "Caesar"): This is the title for the Roman emperor. The repetition in the verse ("unto Caesar shalt thou go") emphasizes the finality and authority of this appeal.

Why Acts 25:12 matters

  • Acts 25:12 clarifies that Paul’s appeal to Caesar was a legal right for Roman citizens, not just a personal request, showing the protections available under Roman law.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the narrative of Acts, as it sets in motion Paul’s journey to Rome, fulfilling earlier hints that he would bear witness there.
  • The decision also removes the case from local religious and political pressures in Judea, placing Paul’s fate in the hands of the Roman imperial system.

Where else these words appear

“conferred” Greek G4814 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
  • Mark 9:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
  • Luke 9:30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

“council” Greek G4824 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Matthew 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
  • Matthew 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

“Festus” Greek G5347 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
  • Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • Acts 25:24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

“Caesar” Greek G2541 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 20:24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
  • Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.