Acts 25:16

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul responds to Festus regarding the Jewish leaders' request for judgment against Jesus, explaining his procedural stance before convening the court.

The words — ἔθος (ethos) means "custom," and Ῥωμαίοις (Rhōmaiois) means "with Romans," together establishing that Roman legal practice required a defendant to face accusers and defend himself before surrender.

The thread — This requirement for prior hearing runs through John 7:51 and Deuteronomy 19:17, where both texts mandate that parties stand before judges before a dispute is resolved.

Why it lands — The text requires that authority respect a defendant's right to confrontation and defense, asking readers to assess how legal power is applied against the accused.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

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.

Cross-references

John 7:51 “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”
Deuteronomy 19:17 both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time.
Acts 23:30 When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also instructed his accusers to present their case against him before you.
Proverbs 18:17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
Acts 25:4 But Festus replied, “Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.
Deuteronomy 17:4 and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,
Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.
Acts 26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: