Keraia
Acts 25

Acts 25:16

Festus Consults Agrippa · Acts 25:13–22
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Translations

Modern
I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…to whom I answered that it is not a custom with Romans to give up any man before the one being accused may have it to face the accusers and may have a place of defense concerning the accusation.
Latin
Ad quos respondi: Quia non est Romanis consuetudo damnare aliquem hominem priusquam is qui accusatur præsentes habeat accusatores, locumque defendendi accipiat ad abluenda crimina.

Original

Greek
English
I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.

Notes

Acts 25:16

This was a fundamental principle: Roman law did not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves (see 19:38–39). This showed Roman legal procedures in a positive way.

Acts 25:13–22

Festus discussed Paul’s case with Herod Agrippa II, who came to Caesarea to pay a courtesy visit to the new governor. Herod Agrippa II ruled parts of the region from AD 50–100.

Theme notes and profiles

Herod Agrippa II Paul (Saul) Rome

Events

Places

Rome: Capital city of the Roman Empire

Glossary

Bema Book of the Acts of the Apostles Courts and Trials Herod, Herodian Family Judge Procurator The Caesars Titus Caesar

Topics

Citizens: Rights of Courts of Justice: Both the Accusers and Accused Required to Appear Before Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Prisoners: Permitted to Make Defense Roman Empire: The Right of Trial The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Accusers and Accused Confronted Together