“So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”
Festus offers them choice of accusers to spare them needless trouble and expense, yet by this very courtesy he signals he does not credit their false reports. He declares himself an upright judge who will decide only by the truth of the matter, not their clamor.
AI summary
See how restless malice is: Paul bears his imprisonment patiently, yet his enemies cannot bear even a three-day delay in pursuing him to death. They rush upon Festus the moment he arrives, trying to prejudge the cause before any fair trial.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 25:1-12
Those able to go must be men at leisure, of means, sound health, and above all masters of the case itself, capable of framing charges with proper proof and evidence. Festus will hear accusations only when something notoriously criminal, contrary to reason and Roman law, can actually be proved.
AI summary