To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

ACTS 25:16KJV
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Acts 25:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:16 mean?

Acts 25:16 states that, according to Roman custom, no one should be handed over for execution before the accused has met their accusers face to face and has had the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. This verse highlights the Roman commitment to a fair legal process before any sentence is carried out.

In this scene, the Roman governor Festus is explaining to King Agrippa how Roman law works, especially in the case of Paul, who is being accused by Jewish leaders. Festus insists that it is not the Roman way to condemn someone without a proper trial, where the accused can hear the charges and respond directly. This sets the stage for Paul’s defense and shows the contrast between Roman legal standards and the pressure from Paul’s opponents.

The Greek behind Acts 25:16

  • ἔθος (ethos, "manner"): This word refers to a custom or established practice. Its use here emphasizes that the legal process Festus describes is not just his personal preference but a recognized Roman tradition.
  • κατηγορούμενος (katēgoroumenos, "accused") and κατήγοροι (katēgoroi, "accusers"): These words highlight the legal setting, where both the accused and the accusers must be present. The Greek stresses the importance of direct confrontation in court.
  • τόπος (topos, "licence"): The word literally means "place" or "opportunity." Here, it refers to the chance or right for the accused to defend themselves, underlining the fairness expected in Roman trials.

Why Acts 25:16 matters

  • Acts 25:16 clears up any idea that Roman officials would simply hand someone over to be punished without a proper hearing; it shows that even in a tense situation, Roman law valued due process.
  • The verse helps explain why Paul, as a Roman citizen, was able to appeal to Caesar and insist on a fair trial, rather than being condemned by local authorities alone.
  • This detail connects to the broader story in Acts, where Paul’s legal rights and the Roman justice system play a key role in protecting him from mob violence and unfair treatment.

Where else these words appear

“him” Greek G1462 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 23:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

“accusers” Greek G2725 · used in 7 verses

  • John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
  • Acts 23:35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
  • Acts 25:18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

“himself” Greek G627 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 22:1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
  • Philippians 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

“manner” Greek G1485 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
  • John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.