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.

ACTS 25:24KJV
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Acts 25:24 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:24 mean?

Acts 25:24 shows the Roman governor Festus publicly addressing King Agrippa and the assembled people, pointing out Paul as the man whom many Jews have accused and demanded be put to death, both in Jerusalem and at the current hearing. Festus is making clear that Paul’s case has drawn intense and widespread opposition from the Jewish community.

In this scene, Festus is speaking in a formal setting before King Agrippa, other officials, and the public. He is explaining why Paul is on trial and highlighting the seriousness of the accusations against him. Festus wants Agrippa and everyone present to understand that the pressure to condemn Paul comes not from Roman law, but from the persistent demands of the Jewish leaders and crowds.

The Greek behind Acts 25:24

  • "κράζοντες" (krazontes, translated “crying”): This word means to shout or cry out loudly, emphasizing the intensity and urgency with which the Jews demanded Paul’s death. It shows the emotional and public nature of their accusations.
  • "δεῖ" (dei, translated “ought”): This word means “it is necessary” or “must,” suggesting that the accusers saw Paul’s execution as something required, not just preferred.
  • "ζῆν" (zēn, translated “to live”): This is the basic Greek verb for “to live,” and in this context, it means the Jews were insisting Paul should not be allowed to continue living at all.

Why Acts 25:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the pressure to condemn Paul did not originate from Roman authorities but from a large and vocal group of Jews, which helps explain why Festus involves King Agrippa.
  • It highlights the tension between Roman legal procedure and the demands of the local population, setting the stage for Paul’s defense and eventual appeal to Caesar.
  • Acts 25:24 helps readers see how Paul’s trial was not just a legal matter, but also a highly charged social and religious conflict involving many people and strong emotions.

Where else these words appear

“dealt” Greek G1793 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
  • Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
  • Romans 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

“here” Greek G1759 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • John 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
  • Acts 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

“Agrippa” Greek G67 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • Acts 25:26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
  • Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

“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 25:23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.