Acts 25:16

But I told them that when someone has been accused of a crime, we Romans do not immediately ◄condemn that person/declare that person to be guilty►. First, we command him to stand before the people who are accusing him and to say whether or not he has done those things. After that, the judge will decide what to do with him.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

15When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the other Jewish elders told me that this man had done many things against their laws. They asked me to condemn him to be executed {judge him so that people could kill him}.

17So those Jews came here to Caesarea when I came. I did not delay. The day after we(exc) arrived, after I sat down at the place where I make decisions, I commanded that Paul be brought { soldiers to bring Paul} into the courtroom.

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Cross References

Genesis 39:19When Joseph’s master heard this story that his wife told him, saying “This is how your slave treated me,” he was very angry.

Deuteronomy 19:17both of them must go to the place where the people worship, to talk to the priests and judges who are serving at that time.

Proverbs 18:17The first person to present his case in court seems right, but when ◄someone else/his opponent► begins to ask him questions, it may become clear that what he said was not true.

Acts 23:30Someone told me that some [SYN] Jews were secretly planning to kill this man, so I immediately am sending him to you, so that you(sg) may give him a fair trial there. I have also commanded the Jews who have accused him to go there to Caesarea and tell you (sg) what they are accusing him about.”

Acts 26:1Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You (sg) are permitted now to speak to defend yourself.” Paul stretched out his hand ◄ dramatically/to salute the king► and began to defend himself. He said,

Matthew Henry on Acts 25:14-27

Agrippa's Visit to Festus; Paul Arraigned before Agrippa. 13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea to salute Festus. 14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: 15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. 16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Acts 25:16