Preface: Festus, the new procurator of Judæa, arrives, and he tries to bring closure to Paul’s case. He is apparently overly influenced by the religious Jews in Jerusalem, and, through several mistakes, has his hearing come to a halt when Paul appeals to Cæsar. Soon thereafter, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice arrive to give Festus a royal greeting. Festus enlists Agrippa’s help to try to fix the mess that he made. The wild card here is, what is Agrippa’s motivation? Is he simply looking to help a fellow royal out of a jam, or is he looking to increase his power?

Bible Summary: Festus arrived and summoned Paul. Paul said, "I appeal to Caesar." Festus brought Paul before King Agrippa to decide the charges.

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 25 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 25 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

Time and Place as per Modern Literal Version 2020:

{July, 61 AD. Paul’s appearance before Festus.}

Outline of Chapter 25:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–6b         Festus Goes to Jerusalem to Attempt to Settle the Accusations Against Paul

         vv.    6c–12         Festus Holds a Hearing of Paul’s Case; Paul Appeals to Cæsar

         vv.    13–22         King Agrippa Comes to Greet Festus and Festus Tells Him About Paul’s Appeal

         vv.    23–27         Festus Gives an Opening Statement of a Hearing that King Agrippa Oversees

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 25 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

Doctrines Alluded to

Chapters of the Bible Alluded To or Appropriately Exegeted with this Chapter

Dictionary of Terms

         Introduction         Introduction to Acts 25

         Introduction         Summing up the final chapters of Acts

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 25 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 25 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 25

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 25

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 25

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 25

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 25

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 25 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 25 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 23–27)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         v.      13              Palestine Provinces in Jesus’ Time (a map)

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 25 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 25

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 25

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         Summary 

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 25:1–5

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 25:6–8

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 25:9–12

         Addendum          The Herod Family Tree (a graphic)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 25:17–21

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 25:22–27

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         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 25

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 25

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 25

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 25

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An Introduction to Acts 25

I ntroduction: Acts 25 continues one of the most interesting and important narratives in the Word of God. This narrative began back in Acts 21 and will go to the end of the book of Acts. Paul, despite everyone disagreeing with him, decided to go to Jerusalem, which takes him out of God’s geographical will. God wanted Paul to continue evangelizing the gentiles, to spend more time teaching in Ephesus, to go to Rome, and perhaps even go to Spain. Quite frankly, Jerusalem was a lost cause. They could not seem to get back on track. Paul going to Jerusalem was not going to fix this.

What is quite fascinating about this chapter is, the new procurator Festus is going to be given the lion’s share of the speaking in this chapter. We have heard from Paul on many occasions in previous chapters, but this time, Festus—generally a competent and fair man, by all accounts—gets his chance to expound. He apparently got thrown off his game by the Jews so he screwed up. However, he cannot admit to that. He knows that he has screwed things up, yet he cannot figure out how to make things any better (he will try every which way to make things right, but fail at all attempts).

Even as a prisoner, Paul has spoken with great confidence and clarity—even when he tried to throw a human viewpoint wrench into the works (by setting the pharisees off against the sadducees).

At the end of Acts 24, Roman procurator Felix—who was corrupt and prone to accepting bribes—is replaced by what almost everyone considers to be a much more competent and honest Festus. In this chapter, an efficient, time-conscious Festus allows himself to be wined and dined by the religious Jews in Jerusalem, which sets him off on the wrong foot, where it comes to Paul and the case against him (vv. 1–6).

In what appears to be a too-short hearing (vv. 7–8), Festus proposes to Paul that he be tried in Jerusalem (v. 9). Two years earlier, Paul was brought by escort to Caesarea, because his life was in danger in Jerusalem (Acts 23). For Festus to suggest such a thing would suggest that he was not familiar with all facts of the case. Paul knew that his life was in danger, if he returned to Jerusalem. Finally, Paul recognizes that he has yet one legal option—and so he will appeal to Cæsar (vv. 10–12).

Festus will come to the realization that he really stepped in it, and that sending Paul to Rome is going to make him look incompetent. The worst administrator in the world would have done no worse than Festus did. The emperor of Rome did not want city or state leaders to send him all of their problems. If there is nowhere else for the case to go but the Cæsar, then that must be accepted. But this is Festus’ first case! For him, this is a mess and an embarrassment.

Luckily, King Agrippa and his sister are coming to Caesarea for a royal visit and Festus is going to impose upon him to give his own studied opinion (v. 13). Interestingly enough, much of this chapter is going to be given over the Festus speaking, first to Agrippa (vv. 14–21) and then for a royal trial, giving the initial remarks (vv. 24–27). This is a very rare time in Scripture where most of the talking of this chapter is done by an unbeliever.

In this chapter, we get a lot of Festus and only a smattering of Paul.

The royal hearing begins in this chapter (vv. 22–23). However, the bulk of the trial will be found in Acts 26 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD). Just as we have seen in previous chapters, the narrative starts to get intense and then, we suddenly find ourselves at the end of the chapter, with an intense desire to read what happens next.

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Festus Goes to Jerusalem to Attempt to Settle the Accusations Against Paul

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Festus, therefore, having entered the province, after three days, he ascended to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And revealed to him the chief priests and the chief (men) of the Jews against the Paul. And they exhorted him asking for grace against him in order that he might send him to Jerusalem (an ambush they were making to execute him in the way.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Now when Festus had set foot in the province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Ceasarea.

And the high priest and the prominent men of the Jews made known to him the case against Paul; and they were appealing to him,

asking for favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem--while planning an ambush to kill him along the way.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days, he went up to Jerusalem from Cesarea.

And the chief priests and principal men of the Jews went unto him against Paul: and they besought him,

Requesting favour against him, that he would command him to be brought to Jerusalem, laying wait to kill him in the way.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And when Phihstus {Festus} came unto Qasariya {Caesarea}, after three days he went up unto Urishlem {Jerusalem}.

And the Rabay Kahne {the Priest's Chiefs}, and the Rishe {the Heads/the Leaders} of the Yehudaye {the Judeans/Jews}, informed him about Paulus {Paul}, and they were seeking from him,

where they had asked him this favor: That he should dispatch him to come unto Urishlem {Jerusalem}, while they should perform an ambush on the road, so that they might kill him.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And when Festus arrived at Caesarea, he, after three days, went up to Jerusalem.

And the chief priests and the head men of the Jews made representations to him concerning Paul.

And they petitioned him, asking of him the favor, that he would send for him to come to Jerusalem; they placing an ambush to slay him by the way.

Original Aramaic NT              And when Festus came to Caesarea, after three days he came up to Jerusalem.

And The Chief Priests and the Rulers of the Jews informed him concerning Paulus and they were inquiring of him,

When they asked him this favor: to send to bring him to Jerusalem, as they were making an ambush by the road to kill him.

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             So Festus, having come into that part of the country which was under his rule, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 

And the chief priests and the chief men of the Jews made statements against Paul, 

Requesting Festus to give effect to their design against him, and send him to Jerusalem, when they would be waiting to put him to death on the way.

Bible in Worldwide English     Three days after Festus came to the country, he went to Jerusalem from Caesarea. Then the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews told him what they had against Paul. Please do something for us, they begged. Send for Paul to come to Jerusalem. They had made a secret plan to kill him on the road.

Easy English                          Festus travels to Jerusalem to speak to the leaders of the Jews

Three days after Festus began to rule in Caesarea, he travelled from there to Jerusalem. When he arrived there, the leaders of the priests and the Jewish leaders told him about Paul. They spoke bad things against Paul. They said to Festus, ‘Please listen to us. We really want you to bring Paul here to Jerusalem. You can judge him here. Then we would be very happy.’ They wanted to kill Paul while he was travelling to Jerusalem.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Festus became governor, and three days later he went from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The leading priests and the important Jewish leaders made charges against Paul before Festus. They asked Festus to do them a favor. They wanted him to send Paul back to Jerusalem because they had a plan to kill Paul on the way.

God’s Word™                         Three days after Festus took over his duties in the province of Judea, he went from the city of Caesarea to Jerusalem. The chief priests and the other important Jewish leaders informed Festus about their charges against Paul. They were urging Festus to do them the favor of having Paul brought to Jerusalem. The Jews had a plan to ambush and kill Paul as he traveled to Jerusalem.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders brought their charges against Paul. They begged Festus to do them the favor of having Paul come to Jerusalem, for they had made a plot to kill him on the way.

J. B. Phillips                           Felix’s successor begins his duties with vigour—

Three days after Festus had taken over his province he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The chief priests and elders of the Jews informed him of the case against Paul and begged him as a special favour to have Paul sent to Jerusalem. They themselves had already made a plot to kill him on the way.

The Message                         An Appeal to Cæsar

Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take up his duties as governor, he went up to Jerusalem. The high priests and top leaders renewed their vendetta against Paul. They asked Festus if he wouldn’t please do them a favor by sending Paul to Jerusalem to respond to their charges. A lie, of course—they had revived their old plot to set an ambush and kill him along the way.

NIRV                                      Paul’s Trial in Front of Festus

Three days after Festus arrived, he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. There the chief priests and the Jewish leaders came to Festus. They brought their charges against Paul. They tried very hard to get Festus to have Paul taken to Jerusalem. They asked for this as a favor. They were planning to hide and attack Paul along the way. They wanted to kill him.

New Life Version                    Paul Stands in Front of Festus

Three days after Festus had become leader in the country, he went from the city of Caesarea to Jerusalem. The head religious leaders and the leaders of the Jews told Festus what they had against Paul. They asked Festus for a favor. They wanted Paul to be brought to Jerusalem because they had plans to kill him on the way.

New Simplified Bible              Three days after arriving in the province Festus ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The high priest and Jewish leaders brought charges against Paul. They desired favor against him that he would transfer him to Jerusalem. Then they would ambush him along the way and kill him.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 25

PAUL, AFTER TWO YEARS IN PRISON

PAUL MEETS HIS NEXT JUDGE, GOVERNOR FESTUS

Judea’s new governor, Festus, arrived in Caesarea. [1] Three days later, he made a trip to Jerusalem. While he was there, top Jewish priests and other Jewish leaders met with him to bring criminal charges against Paul. They asked Festus for a favor: send Paul back to Jerusalem. They knew Paul wouldn’t make it. They had already arranged for him to get ambushed and killed along the way.

¹25:1Caesarea was a port city that King Herod the Great built on the Mediterranean coast about 70 miles (110 km) northwest of Jerusalem. The walk from one town to the other would take three or four days. Herod built a huge harbor in Caesarea because the nation had no natural harbor. Herod designed Caesarea after Roman cities and he named it after Caesar because he knew who was really the boss. Romans used Caesarea as their capital in the Middle East for 600 years.

Contemporary English V.       Three days after Festus had become governor, he went from Caesarea to Jerusalem. There the chief priests and some Jewish leaders told him about their charges against Paul. They also asked Festus if he would be willing to bring Paul to Jerusalem. They begged him to do this because they were planning to attack and kill Paul on the way.

Goodspeed New Testament  Paul Before Festus. The appeals to Cæsar.

Festus therefore having entered into the government of the province, three days afterwards went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea, when the chief priests and Jewish senators appeared before him against Paul; and appealed to him, asking as a favour, that he would send him back to Jerusalem—themselves plotting to murder him on the road.

The Living Bible                     Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and other Jewish leaders got hold of him and gave him their story about Paul. 3 They begged him to bring Paul to Jerusalem at once. (Their plan was to waylay and kill him.)

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           Paul Appears before Festus

Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way).

The Passion Translation        Three days after Festus assumed his duties in Caesarea, he made the journey to Jerusalem.  Religious authorities and prominent leaders among the Jews brought formal charges against Paul before Festus.  They came asking him for a favor—that he would transfer Paul from Caesarea to Jerusalem—all the while plotting to ambush and kill Paul along the way.

Plain English Version             Festus said that he will judge Paul in Caesarea

Festus started to be the new government boss over that country, then 3 days later, he left Caesarea and went to Jerusalem. The bosses of the Jewish ceremonies and the other Jewish leaders talked to him there in Jerusalem. They blamed Paul and reckoned he did bad things. Then they asked Festus, “Can you tell your soldiers to bring Paul to Jerusalem right now, and judge him here?” You see, they were going to secretly hide near the road and wait for Paul to come along, then jump up and kill him.

Radiant New Testament        Paul’s Trial in Front of Festus

Three days after Festus arrived, he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. There the chief priests and the Jewish leaders came to him and brought their charges against Paul. They tried very hard to get Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem as a favor to them. They asked for this because they were planning to hide and try to kill Paul along the way.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Festus began to rule as governor of the province. Three days later, he left the city of Caesarea and went up to Jerusalem. There, the chief priests and other Jewish leaders stood before Festus and said that Paul had done things that were very wrong. They urgently asked Festus to bring Paul to trial in Jerusalem. But they were really planning to attack him on the road and kill him.

Williams’ New Testament      Now three days after his arrival Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, and the high priests and the Jewish elders presented their charges against Paul, and begged the governor as a favor to have Paul come to Jerusalem, because they were plotting an ambush to kill him on the way.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          It was just three days after Festus had been appointed the provincial governor that he traveled from Caesarea to JeruSalem – and there the Chief Priests and Judean leaders talked to him about Paul.

They begged him (asking it as a favor) to send [Paul] to JeruSalem… Since they planned to ambush and kill him along the road.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            So when Festus walked up on the province, after three days he walked up to Jerusalem out of Caesarea. And the head priests and the primary people of the Jewish people showed him their case against Paul, and they were encouraging him, asking for generosity against him in order that he might send him to Jerusalem as they made an ambush to execute him along the way.

Common English Bible           Paul appeals to Cæsar

Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. The chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. Appealing to him, they asked as a favor from Festus that he summon Paul to Jerusalem. They were planning to ambush and kill him along the way.

Len Gane Paraphrase           Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he came up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the Jewish leaders laid out their case against Paul, and encouraged and begged him [to do] a favor against [Paul} that he [Festus] would send him to Jerusalem--for they had an ambush to kill him on the way.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles When Festus, therefore, was come into the province, after three days, he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem; and the high priest, and the chief among the Jews, appeared before him against Paul, and entreated him that he would send for him to Jerusalem; laying an ambush to kill him by the way.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       And Festus, three days after entering his province, went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Here the high priest and the leaders of the Jews put before him their case against Paul, and were urgent with him, asking as a favour, that he would summon Paul to Jerusalem; meanwhile they were preparing an ambush, so as to make away with him on the journey.

NT for Everyone                     To Caesar you shall go

So Festus arrived in the province, and after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The high priests and the leading men of the Jews appeared before him, laying charges against Paul, and putting a request to him. They wanted him to do a special favor for them and against Paul, by sending for him to be brought up to Jerusalem. They were making a plan to kill him on the way.

20^th Century New Testament Three days after Festus had entered upon his province, he left Caesarea and went up to Jerusalem. There the Chief Priests and the leading men among the Jews laid an information before him against Paul, And asked a favor of him, to Paul's injury--to have Paul brought to Jerusalem. All the while they were plotting to make away with him on the road.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Conservapedia Translation    When Festus arrived in Judea Province, after three days he went up from Caesaria to Jerusalem. Then the High Priest and the leading men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and pleaded with him, and asked a favor against Paul, that he would send for him to come to Jerusalem. (They were lying in wait to kill him.)

This cannot be that same conspiracy, unless the original oath-takers were total hypocrites. This is yet another conspiracy to kill Paul by ambush.

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                Paul Before Festus. The appeals to Cæsar.

Festus therefore having entered into the government of the province, three days afterwards went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea, when the chief priests and Jewish senators appeared before him against Paul; and appealed to him, asking as a favour, that he would send him back to Jerusalem—themselves plotting to murder him on the road.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           When Festus was come into the province, after three days, he ascended from Cesarea unto Jerusalem. Then informed him the high Priests and the chief of the Jews of Paul. And they besought him and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem: and laid wait for him in the way to kill him.

International Standard V        Paul Appeals to the Emperor

Three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The high priests and Jewish leaders informed him of their charges against Paul, urging and asking Festus [Lit. him] to have Paul [Lit. as a favor against him to have him] brought to Jerusalem as a favor. They were laying an ambush to kill him on the road.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      FESTUS therefore coming into the province, after three days went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. And the chief priests and the first men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, asking favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, having provided an ambuscade to kill him on the way.

Weymouth New Testament    Festus, having entered on his duties as governor of the province, two days later went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The High Priests and the leading men among the Jews immediately made representations to him against Paul, and begged him--asking it as a favour, to Paul's prejudice--to have him brought to Jerusalem. They were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     The trial before Festus

Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. There the chief priests and the elders accused Paul again. In a very hypocritical way, they asked as a favor from Festus that Paul be brought to Jerusalem; but they were planning to kill him on the way.

New American Bible (2011)   Appeal to Cæsar.

Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented him their formal charges against Paul.* They asked him as a favor to have him sent to Jerusalem, for they were plotting to kill him along the way.

* [25:2] Even after two years the animosity toward Paul in Jerusalem had not subsided (see Acts 24:27).

New Catholic Bible                 Paul’s Third Trial—before Festus.^[a] Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews informed him about Paul. They urged him as a favor to send for Paul to bring him to Jerusalem. They were going to kill him in an ambush along the way.

[a] The governors change, but at Jerusalem the Jewish authorities do not forget Paul. They seek once again to suppress the Apostle by a criminal act, but they appeal to the governor in vain. Since the dispute is religious in theme, why not entrust it to the jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin, while continuing the debates? Paul cannot consent to this for he realizes that he would never receive justice.

New Jerusalem Bible             Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. The chief priests and leaders of the Jews informed him of the case against Paul, urgently asking him to support them against him, and to have him transferred to Jerusalem. They were preparing an ambush to murder him on the way.

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) Paul Appeals to the Emperor

Three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem where the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews gave him a report against Paul. They appealed to him and requested, as a favour to them against Paul,[a] to have him transferred to Jerusalem. They were, in fact, planning an ambush to kill him along the way.

Revised English Bible–1989   THREE days after taking up his appointment, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders laid before him their charge against Paul. They urged Festus to support them in their case and have Paul sent to Jerusalem, for they were plotting to kill him on the way.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           Three days after Festus had entered the province, he went up from Caesarea to Yerushalayim. There the head cohanim and the Judean leaders informed him of the case against Sha’ul, and they asked him to do them the favor of having the man sent to Yerushalayim. (They had plotted to have him ambushed and killed en route.)

Hebraic Roots Bible               Then entering the province, after three days Festus went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the high priest and the chief of the Jews made a statement before him against Paul, and they begged him, asking a favor against him, so as he might send for him to Jerusalem, making a plot to kill him on the way.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    So Festus became governor, and three days later he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The most important priests and the important Jewish leaders made charges against Paul before Festus. They asked Festus to do something for them; they wanted Festus to send Paul back to Jerusalem. They had a plan to kill Paul along the way.

The Scriptures 2009              Festus therefore, having come to the province, three days later went up from Caesarea to Yerushalayim.  And the high priest and the chief men of the Yehuim informed him against Sha’ul, and they begged him, asking a favour against him, that he would send him to Yerushalayim – making a plot along the way to kill him.

Tree of Life Version                Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. There the ruling kohanim and the leading Judeans brought charges against Paul. They were urging him, asking a favor—to have Paul sent to Jerusalem, planning an ambush to kill him on the road.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       Festus so Arriving [in] the province after three days ascends to jerusalem from caesarea notify also him The Priests (Chief) and The [Men] First [of] the jews against the paul and [They] called (near) him Asking favor against him so [He] may invite him to jerusalem ambush Making to take (away) him in the way...

Alpha & Omega Bible            FESTUS THEN, HAVING ARRIVED IN THE PROVINCE, THREE DAYS LATER WENT UP TO JERUSALEM FROM CAESAREA.

AND THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE LEADING MEN OF THE JEWS BROUGHT CHARGES AGAINST PAULOS (Paul), AND THEY WERE URGING HIM,

REQUESTING A CONCESSION AGAINST PAULOS (Paul), THAT HE MIGHT HAVE HIM BROUGHT TO JERUSALEM, SETTING AN AMBUSH TO MURDER HIM ON THE WAY.

Awful Scroll Bible                   Then Festus, walking-into the ruling-over, after three days walked-up from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.

What is more, the chief-priest and they principal of the Jews, expose-from-among accordingly of Paul, even were calling- him -by,

requesting for themselves a favor against him, how-that he should direct- him -after to Jerusalem, (they preparing a sitting-from-among along the way to take- him -out).

Concordant Literal Version    Festus, then, stepping into the prefecture, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea."

Besides, the chief priests and the foremost of the Jews inform him against Paul, and they entreated him,

requesting a favor against him, so that he should send after him to bring him into Jerusalem, making an ambush to assassinate him by the way."

exeGeses companion Bible   YAH HUDIYM SEEK TO SUMMON PAULOS

So Phestus embarks to the province;

and after three days

he ascends from Kaisaria to Yeru Shalem.

And the archpriest

and the preeminent of the Yah Hudiym

manifest him against Paulos, and entreat him,

and ask charism against him

to summon him to Yeru Shalem

- lurking in the way to take him out.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Therefore Festus, having arrived in the Province, after shloshah yamim went up from Caesarea to Yerushalayim,

Where the Rashei Hakohanim and manhigim of the Yehudim explained to Festus the charges keneged Rav Sha'ul, and they were begging him,

Asking a favor from him, that Festus might summon Rav Sha'ul to Yerushalayim, while at the same time they were forming a kesher to kill him along the way.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B.          § 42. Festus wishing him to go to Jerusalem, Paul appeals unto Cæsar.

Chapter 25.

||Festus|| thereforeˎ |having come upon the province|ˎ^b ||after threeʹ days|| went up unto Jerusalem from Cæsarea; and the High-priest and chiefs of the Jews laid information before him against Paul, and began to beseech himˎ

asking for themselves as a favour against him, that he would send for him unto Jerusalem,—making |an ambush| to kill him on the way.

^b Ml: “the eparchy.”

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Paul before Festus

Now Festus arrived in the province, and three days later he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea [Maritima]. And [there in Jerusalem] the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul [before Festus], and they repeatedly pleaded with him, asking as a concession against Paul, that he would have him brought to Jerusalem; (meanwhile planning an ambush to kill him on the way).

An Understandable Version   Three days after Festus came to the province he went from Caesarea up to Jerusalem. The leading priests and the leading Jewish men [there] informed Festus of the charges against Paul. Then they begged him to do them a favor by having Paul brought [from Caesarea] to Jerusalem, for they were plotting to kill him on the way.

The Expanded Bible              Paul Asks to See Cæsar

Three days after Festus ·became governor [^L arrived in the province], he went [^L up] from Caesarea to Jerusalem. There the ·leading [^T chief] priests and the important leaders [^L of the Jews] made charges against Paul before Festus. They ·asked [urged] Festus to do them a favor. They wanted him to send Paul back to Jerusalem, because they ·had a plan [^L planned an ambush] to kill him on the way.

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Then Festus, having stepped up to assume the governorship of the province, after three days went up from Caesarea into Jerusalem.

Along with this, the chief (ruling; ranking) priests and the leading (or: foremost) men of the Jews brought things to light (or: gave information; = gave evidence and presented their case) against Paul and began entreating him,

repeatedly asking for themselves a favor in regard to him, so that he would himself send after [Paul], [to bring] him into Jerusalem – all the while [themselves] laying an ambush to assassinate him along the road.

Syndein/Thieme                     {Caesarea and the administration of Festus}

Now when Festus was come to the province, after three days he went from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews {religious hierarchy} informed him {Festus} against Paul and kept on begging him.

And asked as a favor from him, that he would send for him {Paul} to Jerusalem, laying an ambush in the way to kill him.

{Note: Festus came to Jerusalem with a reputation of being a great administrator. Here he makes the right decision. But after 10 days of wining and dining he changes his mind - influenced by religion in Jerusalem.}

Translation for Translators              Festus told the Jews to go and accuse Paul at Caesarea.

Acts 25:1-5

Festus, who was now the governor of the province, arrived in Caesarea, and three days later he went up to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, the chief priests and other Jewish leaders formally told Festus about the things that they said that Paul had done that were wrong. They urgently asked Festus to do something for them. They asked him to command soldiers to bring Paul to Jerusalem, so that Festus could put him on trial there. But they were planning that some of them would hide near the road and wait for Paul and kill him when he was traveling to Jerusalem.

The Voice                               Three days after arriving in the province, Festus traveled south from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The chief priests and Jewish leaders still had a plan to kill Paul and gave a report to Festus about their unresolved grievances against Paul. They suggested that as a favor to them, Festus should move Paul to Jerusalem. Of course, this was part of the plan to set an ambush for Paul and kill him en route.

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Paul Appeals to Cæsar

Now when [*Here “when ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“set foot in”) which is understood as temporal] Festus set foot in the province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the most prominent men of the Jews brought charges against Paul to him, and were urging him, asking for a favor against him, that he summon him to Jerusalem, because they [*Here “because ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“were preparing ”) which is understood as causal] were preparing an ambush to do away with him along the way.

NET Bible®                             Paul Appeals to Cæsar

Now¹ three days after Festus² arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem³ from Caesarea.⁴ So the chief priests and the most prominent men⁵ of the Jews brought formal charges⁶ against Paul to him. Requesting him to do them a favor against Paul,⁷ they urged Festus⁸ to summon him to Jerusalem, planning an ambush⁹ to kill him along the way.

^1tn BDAG 736-37 s.v. ον 2.b states, “ον serves to indicate a transition to someth. new…now, then, well…Ac 25:1.”

^2sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.

^3map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.

^4sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in Acts 10:1. This was a journey of 65 mi (just over 100 km).

^map For location see Map2-C1; Map4-B3; Map5-F2; Map7-A1; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.

^5tn BDAG 893-94 s.v. πρτος 2.a.β has “οἱ πρτοι the most prominent men, the leading men w. gen. of the place…or of a group…οἱ προς το λαο…Lk 19:47; cp. Ac 25:2; 28:17.”

^6tn BDAG 326 s.v. ἐμφανίζω 3 has “ἐ. τινὶ κατά τινος bring formal charges against someone…Ac 24:1; 25:2.”

^sn Note how quickly the Jewish leadership went after Paul: They brought formal charges against him within three days of Festus’ arrival in the province.

^7tn Grk “Requesting a favor against him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation, the understood direct object of “requesting” has been supplied, and the phrase “to do them” supplied for clarity.

^8tn Grk “him”; the referent (Festus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. The words “they urged him” are in v. 2 in the Greek text.

^9sn Planning an ambush. The Jewish leadership had not forgotten the original plan of several years ago (see 23:16). They did not trust the Roman legal process, but preferred to take matters into their own hands.

The Spoken English NT         Festus (Successor to Felix) Looks into Paul’s Case
So then Festus arrived in the province, and three days later he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.^a

And the chief priests and the most important Judeans^b presented their case against Paul.

And they were pleading with Festus to grant them a favor against him: to have him transferred to Jerusalem. Because they had made a secret plan to kill him on the way.

^a.Prn. sezz-a-ree-a.

^b.Or “Jews.” Prn. joo-dee-anz.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Festus
Now upon assuming the province, after three days Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the chief priests¹ and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul and started importuning him, begging a favor from him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.²

(1) Some 60% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘high priest’, as in AV and NKJV.

(2) Those guys were really good haters!

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Analytical-Literal Translation  Festus then, having set foot in the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. Then the high priest and the first [fig., leading] men of the Jews made known to him [the charges] against Paul, and were appealing to him, requesting a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem, forming an ambush to execute him along the way.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Then, three days after he set foot in the province, Festus came up to Jerusalem from Caesarea,

And the chief priests and prominent men among the Jews brought formal charges against Paul and made repeated requests to him,

Requesting a personal favor [act of goodwill from the new governor] against him that he might summon him to Jerusalem while they prepare an ambush for the purpose of murdering him along the road .

Bond Slave Version               Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

Charles Thomson NT             Therefore when Festus came to the government and three days after went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid before him an information against Paul and earnestly intreated him to favour them so far as to send for him to Jerusalem; (they having laid an ambush to kill him on the road.)

Context Group Version          Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the principal men of the Judeans informed him against Paul; and they implored him, asking a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem; laying a plot to kill him on the way.

Far Above All Translation       So Festus took up office as governor and three days later he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

And the high priest and the highest-ranking Jews made their position against Paul clear to him, and appealed to him, asking for a favour against the man, that he would send for him to come to Jerusalem, while they laid an ambush so as to eliminate him on the way.

Modern Literal Version 2020  {July, 61 AD. Paul’s appearance before Festus.}

Therefore after three days, having stepped into the province, Festus went-up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

Now the high-priest and the foremost ones of the Jews disclosed to him things against Paul, and they were pleading with him,

asking for a favor against him, *that he might send for him to come to Jerusalem; making* a plot to assassinate him in his journey.

New American Standard B.    Paul before Festus

Festus, then, after arriving in the province, went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea three days later. And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were pleading with Festus [Lit him], requesting a concession [Or favor] against Paul [Lit him], that he might have him brought to Jerusalem [Lit summon him to Jerusalem] (at the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way).

New Matthew Bible                When Festus had arrived in the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priests and the chief men of the Jews made submissions to him about Paul. And they entreated him, and requested his indulgence concerning Paul, that he would send for him to come to Jerusalem. And they planned to lay wait for him along the way, to kill him.

A Voice in the Wilderness      Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews made a statement to him against Paul; and they petitioned him, asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem; while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him.

The gist of this passage:     Festus goes immediately to Jerusalem and he meets with the high priest and the chief priests. The express a strong desire to try Paul in Jerusalem (but they plan to kill him instead of try him).

1-3

Translation: Festus, having therefore entered the province,...

Luke does not record the reason for the changing of the guard (from Felix to Festus). However, there is clear evidence in the Bible that Felix was more than willing to take a bribe and he kept Paul in jail for a period of two years, hoping to get a bribe from him. This may be related to the change of procurators.

The previous chapter tells us also that Felix kept Paul under house arrest in order to please the Jews (Acts 24:27). We don’t know any more than this. Had he already been bribed by the Jews? Felix’s wife was Jewish (she is from the line of Herod which was half Jewish) (see the Line of Herod chart in the Addendum). Perhaps the Jews approached her and she asked her husband. However it was, Paul, two years later, is still under house arrest.

Festus knows that there is going to be an array of unfinished business; and he also knows that he needs to interact with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. The entire intention of a procurator is to maintain order in Jerusalem, and that meant establishing a reasonable relationship with the Jews (however, the Roman leader had to remain in charge).

When Rome took over a region, it was in the hope that many people in that region would want Rome there. They hoped that the population would see the benefits of Roman rule. Rome did not want to take control of a province and then have to constantly send in troops to calm the place down. Nor did Rome want to necessarily destroy an entire population in order to take their land from them and rule over a region of dirt and destroyed buildings.

It was no secret among the hierarchy of Rome that their biggest headaches would come from the Jews in Jerusalem. If the right sort of relationship could be established from the beginning, that would mean fewer problems there. As we will find out, Rome has no problem with coming into a region and decimating the population; but that is not their first choice. That is what they do when nothing else works.

Translation: ...after three days, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

There is the case of Paul left behind by Felix (Felix did not tell Festus, “Listen, I kept him here waiting on a bribe from him. I’m pretty sure that he’s good for it.”). This case allows Festus the chance to interface with the leaders in Jerusalem, and see if they might bring this case to a close. Also, it would be best if those in Jerusalem would be happy with the result.

Armed with a basic understanding of the case, Festus goes to Jerusalem to discuss this outstanding case in further detail.

Given that Festus is an excellent administrator, it would be reasonable that he had a basic understanding of the case. He probably did not speak with Paul, however. He could confer with Paul, if necessary, before the trial; or simply wait to hear his testimony at the trial.

Acts 25:1 Festus, having therefore entered the province, after three days, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: The chief priests and the influential men of the Jews exhibited to him [the charges] against Paul.

Festus met with the chief priests and the influential men of the Jews, and his case was discussed. We have already seen the charges lodged against Paul, and these charges were likely repeated to Festus.

These religious leaders had it out for Paul and would like to see him dead. It does not matter to them how this is achieved. Trial is okay, but simply killing Paul better insures the outcome that they would like.

Recall that, in Jerusalem, there were Jewish Jews and Christian Jews. They seem to have come to enough of a consensus to where they were not at odds with one another. The Christian Jews accepted the Law of Moses as guide to their Christian walk (it is not).

Acts 25:2a The chief priests and the influential men of the Jews exhibited to him [the charges] against Paul. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: They entreated him,...

These men entreated Festus, meaning that some of them said, “We would consider it a personal favor if...”

Very likely, this was phrased in this way, “Let us take this problem off your hands, and if we could solve it here, we would consider that a personal favor to us.”

Festus is a fair man and apparently less corruptible than Felix (some sources praise Festus; and other say that we know very little about him).

By his actions, it is clear that he will listen to the Jews’ point of view (after all, he is barely installed and already he is in Jerusalem discussing this case with the Jewish leaders).

Translation: ...asking for grace against him in order that [Festus] might send [Paul] to Jerusalem...

Asking for grace simply means that these elders and Jewish men of authority are simply asking for a favor. What they want is anything but grace for Paul.

Do you notice who is not mentioned here? The chiliarch. How Paul ended up in Caesarea and why this was not originally tried and completed in Jerusalem was probably glossed over. Or, the Jews probably had a cover story for this, which would have been inaccurate and misleading.

“Listen,” these men said to Festus, “we would consider it a personal favor if you put this case in our hands and we will try him fairly.”

What Festus does not know is, there is no intention of holding a trial.

Translation: ...(they were making an ambush to kill [Paul] along the way).

What these men were doing is arranging for an ambush to take place, where Paul will be killed. Of course, they do not tell this to Festus. They have no intention of holding a fair trial, not even in Jerusalem. They must realize that they do not have enough to pin on Paul to sentence him to anything.

In the aftermath—let’s say that Paul was released to them and killed on the way to Jerusalem—they would tell Festus, “We had no idea that these radical Jews were still out there. We apologize for their actions and we will do what we can to hunt them down and punish them.” And that would be the last time that anyone hears about Paul and this ambush.

Acts 25:2b-3 They entreated him, asking for grace against him in order that [Festus] might send [Paul] to Jerusalem (they were making an ambush to kill [Paul] along the way). (Kukis mostly literal translation)

The Jews are fully aware of this pending case against Paul. They pretend that they will take this off Festus’s desk, so that he can concentrate on other matters. However, the intent of the Jewish leaders is to kill Paul. This goes against the Mosaic Law in every way.

Acts 25:1–3 Festus, having therefore entered the province, after three days, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. The chief priests and the influential men of the Jews exhibited to him [the charges] against Paul. They entreated him, asking for grace against him in order that [Festus] might send [Paul] to Jerusalem (they were making an ambush to kill [Paul] along the way). (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Acts 25:1–3 Festus entered into the province and considered whatever unfinished business that Felix left behind for him to deal with. After three days, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. He spoke to the chief priests and the influential men from the Jews about the case against Paul, and they outlined the charges which were against Paul. These Jews asked Festus for the simple favor that they might try Paul in Jerusalem. They had planned to set an ambush up for Paul and assassinate him along the way (they did not share this information with Festus). (Kukis paraphrase)

Festus, the new governor, immediately goes to Jerusalem, upon his installation, in order to take care of this pending case of Paul’s which is still on the court docket.

——————————

I found portions of this passage to be difficult to translate. However, I am reasonably happy with the final result.

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Truly, therefore, the Festus answered, “To continue keeping the Paul in Caesarea.” Now he himself was about to in a short time, depart. “Therefore, among you [all],” he made known, “[are] capable of going down with [me]. If anything is in the man, an evil, they should accuse him [there].”

Complete Apostles Bible        But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he was about to go there shortly.

"Therefore," he said, "the prominent men among you, let them go with me and accuse this man, if there is anything in this man."

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) But Festus answered: That Paul was kept in Caesarea: and that he himself would very shortly depart thither.

Let them, therefore, saith he, among you that are able, go down with me and accuse him, if there be any crime in the man.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And Phihstus {Festus} returned word, that “Paulus {Paul} will be kept in Qasariya {Caesarea}, and I hasten that I should depart.

Therefore, those which are among you, who have come with their arms, should go down with us, and concerning every wrong-doing which is in the gabra {the man}; they shall accuse.”

James Murdock’s Syriac NT But Festus made answer: Paul is in custody at Caesarea, whither I am in haste to go.

Therefore, let those among you who are able, go down with us, and make presentment of every offence there is in the man.

Original Aramaic NT              And Festus returned the answer: "Paulus is kept in Caesarea, and I am in a hurry to travel."

"Those therefore among you who are able and have the accusations with them, let them go down with us; let them accuse the man."

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             But Festus, in answer, said that Paul was being kept in prison at Caesarea, and that in a short time he himself was going there. 

So, he said, let those who have authority among you go with me, and if there is any wrong in the man, let them make a statement against him.

Bible in Worldwide English     Festus said, Paul is being kept in prison in Caesarea. I myself am going there soon. Let the men among you who are able come with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, then they can talk against him.

Easy English                          But Festus answered them, ‘Paul will remain in prison in Caesarea. I myself will return there soon. So your leaders should go to Caesarea with me. If this man has done anything wrong, they can speak against him there. I will listen and I will judge.’

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  But Festus answered, "No, Paul will be kept in Caesarea. I will be going there soon myself, and your leaders can go with me. If this man has really done anything wrong, they can accuse him there."

God’s Word™                         Festus replied that he would be returning to Caesarea soon and would keep Paul there. He told them, "Have your authorities come to Caesarea with me and accuse him there if the man has done something wrong."

Good News Bible (TEV)         Festus answered, "Paul is being kept a prisoner in Caesarea, and I myself will be going back there soon. Let your leaders go to Caesarea with me and accuse the man if he has done anything wrong."

J. B. Phillips                           But Festus replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly.

“What you must do,” he told them, “is to provide some competent men of your own to go down with me and if there is anything wrong with the man they can present their charges against him.”

The Message                         Festus answered that Caesarea was the proper jurisdiction for Paul, and that he himself was going back there in a few days. “You’re perfectly welcome,” he said, “to go back with me then and accuse him of whatever you think he’s done wrong.”

NIRV                                      Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea. Soon I’ll be going there myself. Let some of your leaders come with me. If the man has done anything wrong, they can bring charges against him there.”

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              Governor Festus told them Paul was in custody at Caesarea. He added that he would be headed back there in a few days. He said, “Why don’t you send some of your leaders with me. If this man has done something wrong, bring your charges against him when I hold court there.”

Contemporary English V.       But Festus told them, "Paul will be kept in Caesarea, and I am soon going there myself. If he has done anything wrong, let your leaders go with me and bring charges against him there."

Goodspeed New Testament  Festus, however, told them in reply, that Paul should be detained at Caesarea; and that he was himself about to return there at an early date. He also added, "Let those therefore who are in authority among you go down with me; and if there is anything against this man, they can then indict him."

The Living Bible                     But Festus replied that since Paul was at Caesarea and he himself was returning there soon, those with authority in this affair should return with him for the trial.

New Berkeley Version           .

The Passion Translation        Festus responded to their request by informing them that he planned to return to Caesarea shortly.  He told them, “Your leaders can come with me to Caesarea. If this man has broken any laws, you can bring charges against him there.”

Plain English Version             But Festus said, “Paul is in Caesarea, and my soldiers are guarding him there. I’ll be going back to Caesarea in a few days, so you pick some of your leaders to come with me. They can blame Paul in my court there.”

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Festus replied, "Paul is under guard in Caesarea, let him stay there. I myself will go down to Caesarea very soon."  

"So, "he said, "you should go there with me, those of you who are able to. If you have anything to accuse Paul of, you can do it there."

William's New Testament       Festus answered that Paul was being kept in custody in Caesarea, and that he himself was going there soon. "So have your influential men go down with me," said he, "and present charges against the man, if there is anything wrong with him."

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          However, Festus replied that he would just keep Paul in Caesarea. But, because he would be leaving [JeruSalem] shortly, he said to them:

‘Those of you who have been empowered to do so should come back with me, and if he’s committed some crime, you can make your accusations against him there.’

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            So Festus certainly responded for Paul to be kept at Caesarea, but for he himself to be going to be traveling out quickly. "So when the capable people among you walk down together," he declares, "if there is anything out of place in the man, they must level a complaint against him."

A. Campbell's Living Oracles But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would shortly set out for that place: therefore, said he, Let those of you who are able, go down with me; and if there be anything criminal in this man, let them accuse him.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       But Festus answered that Paul was in safe keeping at Caesarea; he himself would be removing there as soon as possible; Let those of you who are men of influence, he said, travel down with me, and bring your charges against this man, if you have anything against him.

NT for Everyone                     But Festus answered that he was keeping Paul at Caesarea, and that he himself would shortly be going back there.

“So,” he said, “your officials should come down with me. They can put any accusations of wrongdoing they may have against the man.”

20^th Century New Testament But Festus answered that Paul was in prison at Caesarea, and that he himself would be leaving for that place shortly. "So let the influential men among you," he said, "go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, charge him formally with it."

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  Festus, however, told them in reply, that Paul should be detained at Caesarea; and that he was himself about to return there at an early date. He also added, "Let those therefore who are in authority among you go down with me; and if there is anything against this man, they can then indict him."

International Standard V        Festus replied that Paul was being kept in custody at Caesarea and that he himself would be going there soon. “Therefore,” he said, “have your authorities come down with me and present their charges against him there, if there is anything wrong with the man.”

Urim-Thummim Version         But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would leave shortly thereafter. Therefore those able among you, declares he, having come down together, if there is anything in this man, let them accuse him.

Weymouth New Testament    Festus, however, replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, and that he was himself going there very soon. "Therefore let those of you," he said, "who can come, go down with me, and impeach the man, if there is anything amiss in him."

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

The Heritage Bible                          Therefore indeed Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and he was about to go out in haste.

Therefore he says, Let them who among you have the power go down with me; if there is anything out of place in this man, let them formally charge him.

New Jerusalem Bible             But Festus replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, and that he would be going back there shortly himself. He said, 'Let your authorities come down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, they can bring a charge against him.'

Revised English Bible–1989   Festus, however, replied, “Paul is in safe custody at Caesarea, and I shall be leaving Jerusalem shortly myself; so let your leading men come down with me, and if the man is at fault in any way, let them prosecute him.”

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           Festus replied that Sha’ul was being kept under guard in Caesarea, and that he was about to go there shortly himself. “So,” he said, “let competent men among you come down with me and press charges against the man, if he has done something wrong.”

Hebraic Roots Bible               Then indeed Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, he himself even being about to go shortly. Therefore, let those among you who are able, go down with us, and make presentment of every offence there is in the man.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    But Festus answered, "No! Paul will be kept in Caesarea. I myself will go to Caesarea soon. Some of your leaders should go down with me. They can accuse the man there in Caesarea if he really has done something wrong."

The Scriptures 2009              Then, indeed, Festus answered that Sha’ul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to set out shortly. 

“Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”

Tree of Life Version                Festus then answered that Paul was being guarded at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there shortly.

“So then,” he said, “let the prominent men among you go down with me; and if there is any wrong in the man, let them accuse him.”

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       The certainly so Festus answers to be kept the paul to caesarea himself but to intend in rush to depart The [Men] so in you* [He] says Able Descending (Together) if Something is in the man Improper accuse! him...

Awful Scroll Bible                   Surely therefore, Festus resolves-out, that Paul is to be kept from-within Cæsarea, and he himself is about to proceed-out from-within quickness.

Therefore, he exposes-to-light, "From-among you able, walking-down-with me, be they accordingly-to-a-forum to this man, if- there is -anything from-within this one."

Concordant Literal Version    Festus, indeed, then, answered that Paul is to be kept in Caesarea, yet he himself was about to be going out quickly."

Those, then, among you,he is averring, "who are able, step down with me. If there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him."

exeGeses companion Bible   So indeed Phestus answers,

to guard Paulos at Kaisaria,

and that he himself is about to depart quickly.

So have those among you, says he,

who are able,

go down with me and accuse this man

- if there be any wickedness in him.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Festus answered that Rav Sha'ul was to be kept in Caesarea and that Festus himself intended quickly to go there.

"Therefore, those in authority among you," Festus says, "should come down with me, and if there is anything in the wrong about Rav Sha'ul, then let them bring charges against him."

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. ||Festus|| thereforeˎ answered, that Paul should be kept in Cæsareaˎ and that |he himself| was about |shortly| to be going out [thither].

<Theyˎ thereforeˎ among you (saith he) who are in power> let them go down with me; and <if there is in the man |anythingʹ amiss|> let them accuse him.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Festus answered that Paul was being held in custody in Caesarea [Maritima] and that he himself was about to leave shortly. “So,” he said, “let those who are in a position of authority among you go there with me, and if there is anything criminal about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

An Understandable Version   Festus answered that [since] Paul was being held in custody in Caesarea, and [since] he himself was soon going there [i.e., he could see Paul at Caesarea at that time]. So, he said, “Let your leaders go down with me and if there is anything [found] wrong with the man, let them bring their charges against him [at that time].”

The Expanded Bible              But Festus answered that Paul would be kept in Caesarea and that he himself was returning there soon. He said, “[^L Therefore,] Some of your ·leaders [authorities] should go with me. They can accuse the man there in Caesarea, if he has really done something wrong.”

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Nonetheless, Festus gave a discerning reply, [that] Paul is to continue being kept and observed in Caesarea and that he himself is now soon about to be departing on his way quickly (in haste; = without delay).

"Therefore, let those in power among you," he affirmed, "after coming down together, continue making accusations of him – if there is anything out of place in the man."

P. Kretzmann Commentary    But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

Let 'them therefore, said he, which among you are able go down with me and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

Kretzmann’s commentary for Acts 25:1–5 has been placed in the Addendum.

Translation for Translators     But Festus replied, “Paul is in Caesarea, and is being guarded {soldiers are guarding him} there. I myself will go down to Caesarea in a few days. Choose some of your leaders to go there with me. While they are there, they can accuse Paul of the wrong things that you say that he has done.”

The Voice                               Festus instead offered to reopen the case. He would be going back to Caesarea soon.

Festus: So let your leaders accompany me, and bring your accusations against the man.

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Then Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea, and he himself was about to go there [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] in a short time. So he said, “Let those among you who are prominent go down with me , [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] and [*Here “and ” is supplied because the previous participle (“go down with”) has been translated as a finite verb] if there is any wrong in the man, let them bring charges against him.”

NET Bible®                             Then Festus¹⁰ replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea,¹¹ and he himself intended to go there¹² shortly. “So,” he said, “let your leaders¹³ go down there¹⁴ with me, and if this man has done anything wrong,¹⁵ they may bring charges¹⁶ against him.”

^10sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.

Porcius Festus was the procurator of Palestine who succeeded Felix; neither the beginning nor the end of his rule (at his death) can be determined with certainty, although he appears to have died in office after about two years. Nero recalled Felix in a.d. 57 or 58, and Festus was appointed to his vacant office in a.d. 57, 58, or 59. According to Josephus (Ant. 20.8.9-10 [20.182-188]; J. W. 2.14.1 [2.271-272]), his administration was better than that of his predecessor Felix or his successor Albinus, but Luke in Acts portrays him in a less favorable light: He was willing to sacrifice Paul to court Jewish favor by taking him to Jerusalem for trial (v. 9), regardless of Paul’s guilt or innocence. The one characteristic for which Festus was noted is that he dealt harshly with those who disturbed the peace.

^11sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in Acts 10:1.

^12tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text but is implied.

^13tn Grk “let those who are influential among you” (i.e., the powerful).

^14tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.

^15tn Grk “and if there is anything wrong with this man,” but this could be misunderstood in English to mean a moral or physical defect, while the issue in context is the commission of some crime, something legally improper (BDAG 149 s.v. ἄτοπος 2).

^16tn BDAG 533 s.v. κατηγορέω 1 states, “nearly always as legal t.t.: bring charges in court.” L&N 33.427 states for κατηγορέω, “to bring serious charges or accusations against someone, with the possible connotation of a legal or court context – ‘to accuse, to bring charges.”

The Spoken English NT         But Festus replied that Paul was being held at Caesarea, and that he himself was just about to leave for there.

He said, “So let your most capable people come down with me. If there is anything wrong about the man, they can bring charges against him.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     However Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, he himself being about to go there shortly. He said, “So let those who are competent among you go down with me; if there is anything against this man, let them accuse him”.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Analytical-Literal Translation  Then indeed Festus answered [that] Paul is being kept in Caesarea, but [that he] himself is about to be going out [to Caesarea] with quickness.

"Therefore, the powerful [or, prominent] [ones] among you," he says, "having come down together, if there is anything in this man, let them accuse him."

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       However, instead, Festus replied with discernment that Paul would continue to be guarded in Caesarea and that he himself intended to return there with haste.

Then he affirmed: “Let the able-bodied among you go down with me. If there is anything wrong with the man, then you may accuse him.”

Context Group Version          Nevertheless Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart [there] shortly. Let them therefore, he says, that are of power among you (pl) go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him.

Far Above All Translation       So Festus answered that Paul was being kept at Caesarea, whereas he himself was going to depart shortly.

He said, “Well then, let the men of senior rank among you come down together and accuse him, if there is anything against this man.”

Modern Literal Version 2020  Therefore indeed, Festus answered that Paul is to be kept in Caesarea, but he himself is about to travel out there shortly.

Therefore he says, The mighty ones among you° have gone-down together-with me if there is anything evil in this man, let° them accuse him.

New Matthew Bible                But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, but that he himself would shortly go there. Therefore (said he), let those among you who are able to do it come down with us, and bring your case against him there, if there be any fault in the man.

The gist of this passage:     Festus responds to the request by saying Paul would be kept at Caesarea, but men with the proper authority could come there and accuse him.

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