And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

ACTS 25:14KJV
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Acts 25:14 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:14 mean?

Acts 25:14 describes how, after spending several days together, Festus explained Paul’s legal situation to King Agrippa, mentioning that Paul was a prisoner left in custody by the previous governor, Felix. This sets the stage for Agrippa to hear about Paul’s case and possibly offer advice or assistance.

In this scene, Festus is the Roman governor, and King Agrippa is visiting him. Festus brings up Paul’s case because Paul has been held in prison for some time without resolution, and Festus is seeking input from Agrippa, who is familiar with Jewish customs and laws. The verse highlights the transition of Paul’s case from Felix to Festus and now to Agrippa’s attention.

The Greek behind Acts 25:14

  • ἀνὴρ (anēr): This word means "man," and here it emphasizes that Paul is being referred to simply as a certain man, not by name at first, which can suggest a formal or detached legal tone.
  • δεδεμένος (dedemenos, from δεσμοῖς/desmois): The word for "in bonds" or "bound" points to Paul’s status as a prisoner, stressing that he is being held under guard and not free to go.
  • καταλελειμμένος (kataleleimmenos, from καταλείπω/katalēipō): This word means "left" or "abandoned," indicating that Paul’s imprisonment was not Festus’s doing but a situation he inherited from Felix.

Why Acts 25:14 matters

  • Acts 25:14 clarifies that Paul’s imprisonment was not initiated by Festus, but by the previous governor, Felix, which helps explain why Festus is uncertain about how to proceed.
  • The verse shows the legal complexity and delays Paul faced, as his case was passed from one official to another without resolution.
  • This moment marks the beginning of Paul’s case being brought before higher authorities, which will eventually lead to his appeal to Caesar and his journey to Rome.

Where else these words appear

“declared” Greek G394 · used in 2 verses

  • Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

“Felix” Greek G5344 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
  • Acts 24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

“been” Greek G1304 · used in 10 verses

  • John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
  • Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
  • Acts 16:12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

“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 25:12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
  • 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.