Bible Strands
Acts 25:5
So if this man has done anything wrong, let some of your leaders come down with me and accuse him there.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Festus addresses the Jewish leaders who have traveled to Jerusalem to press charges against Paul. He issues this directive before departing for Caesarea, where he will hold the official hearing.
The words — συγκαταβάντες (sugkatabantes) means "having gone down together," and δυνατοὶ (dunatoi) translates to "those in power" or leaders. Together they frame the request for the delegation's authorities to accompany the governor to the provincial capital.
The thread — The procedural requirement to face accusers appears in Acts 25:16, where Festus cites Roman custom. The actual hearing in Acts 25:18 shows the accusers failing to produce the expected charges, while John 18:29 records Pilate similarly demanding the specific accusation from the Jewish leaders.
Why it lands — It requires readers to recognize that Roman legal procedure demands jurisdiction and formal charges, regardless of the political pressure applied. The text forces a choice between procedural justice and expedited political compromise.
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
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.
Cross-references
- John 18:29 So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”
- 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.
- Acts 25:18 But when his accusers rose to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected.
- Acts 25:25 But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.
- 1 Samuel 24:11 See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.
- Psalms 7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands,
- Acts 18:14 But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint.
- 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.
- Acts 24:8 By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”