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 25:26KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 25:26 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:26 mean?

Acts 25:26 shows Governor Festus explaining that he does not have any clear charges to write against Paul when sending him to the Roman emperor. Festus says this is why he has brought Paul before King Agrippa—to get help figuring out what to report after Agrippa examines Paul.

Festus is speaking to King Agrippa and a group of officials during Paul’s hearing. Festus admits he is unsure what specific accusations to send to his “lord” (the emperor, likely Nero) because the case against Paul is unclear. By involving Agrippa, Festus hopes to clarify the situation and avoid sending a prisoner to Rome without a proper explanation.

The Greek behind Acts 25:26

  • ἀσφαλές (asphalēs, “certain”): This word means “secure” or “definite.” Festus is saying he has nothing definite or clear to write about Paul’s supposed crimes, highlighting the uncertainty of the charges.
  • ἐξέτασις (exetasis, “examination”): This word refers to a careful investigation or inquiry. Festus is relying on Agrippa’s examination to help him find something meaningful to report.
  • κύριος (kyrios, “lord”): Here, “lord” refers to the Roman emperor. Festus uses this formal term to show respect and the seriousness of reporting to such a high authority.

Why Acts 25:26 matters

  • Acts 25:26 clears up that Paul’s case was so unclear that even the Roman governor did not know what to accuse him of, showing the weakness of the charges.
  • The verse highlights the legal process in the Roman system, where sending a prisoner to the emperor without clear charges would have been improper and embarrassing for Festus.
  • This moment connects to the larger story, showing how Paul’s appeal to Caesar was not just a legal move but also exposed the lack of real evidence against him.

Where else these words appear

“certain” Greek G804 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 21:34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
  • Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
  • Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

“specially” Greek G3122 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
  • Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
  • 2 Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

“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 25:24 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.
  • Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

“brought” Greek G4254 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Matthew 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
  • Luke 18:39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.