And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

ACTS 25:20KJV
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Acts 25:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:20 mean?

Acts 25:20 describes how the Roman governor Festus, unsure about the religious questions the Jewish leaders raised against Paul, asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem to have these matters judged there. Festus admits he did not fully understand the disputes and sought to move the case to a place more familiar with Jewish customs.

Festus is speaking to King Agrippa, explaining his handling of Paul's trial. The situation is that Paul, a prisoner, is being accused by Jewish leaders, but the charges are about religious issues rather than crimes under Roman law. Festus, not being well-versed in Jewish religious debates, hesitated and suggested a transfer of the trial to Jerusalem, showing both his uncertainty and his attempt to resolve the matter fairly.

The Greek behind Acts 25:20

  • The word "doubted" is from the Greek ἀπορέω (aporeō), which often means to be at a loss or perplexed. Festus is not just unsure, but genuinely puzzled by the nature of the accusations, highlighting his unfamiliarity with Jewish religious disputes.
  • The Greek word for "questions" is ζητήματα (zētēmata), meaning issues or points of controversy. This word shows that the matters at hand were debated topics, not clear-cut legal violations.
  • The phrase "be judged" comes from κρίνω (krinō), meaning to decide or judge in a legal sense. Festus is offering Paul the chance to have his case decided in a setting more appropriate for religious matters.

Why Acts 25:20 matters

  • Acts 25:20 clarifies that the Roman authorities did not see Paul’s case as a straightforward criminal matter, but as a complex religious dispute, which helps explain why Paul’s trial took so many twists and turns.
  • The verse highlights the cultural and legal gap between Roman officials and Jewish religious leaders, showing how difficult it was for outsiders to understand internal religious disagreements.
  • This moment sets up Paul’s appeal to Caesar, a key turning point in the narrative, by showing that Festus was looking for a way to resolve the case without making a judgment he felt unqualified to make.

Where else these words appear

“doubted” Greek G639 · used in 4 verses

  • John 13:22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
  • Galatians 4:20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

“questions” Greek G2214 · used in 6 verses

  • John 3:25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
  • 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
  • 2 Timothy 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

“there” Greek G2546 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
  • Acts 14:7 And there they preached the gospel.

“would” Greek G1014 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Acts 19:30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.