Acts 25:2
New International Version
where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul.

New Living Translation
where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul.

English Standard Version
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him,

Berean Standard Bible
where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus

Berean Literal Bible
And the chief priests and the chiefs of the Jews made a presentation before him against Paul, and they were begging him,

King James Bible
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

New King James Version
Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him,

New American Standard Bible
And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were pleading with Festus,

NASB 1995
And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were urging him,

NASB 1977
And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul; and they were urging him,

Legacy Standard Bible
And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were pleading with him,

Amplified Bible
And [there in Jerusalem] the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul [before Festus], and they repeatedly pleaded with him,

Christian Standard Bible
The chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against Paul to him; and they appealed,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against Paul to him; and they appealed,

American Standard Version
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him,

Contemporary English Version
There the chief priests and some Jewish leaders told him about their charges against Paul. They also asked Festus

English Revised Version
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The chief priests and the other important Jewish leaders informed Festus about their charges against Paul. They were urging

Good News Translation
where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders brought their charges against Paul. They begged Festus

International Standard Version
The high priests and Jewish leaders informed him of their charges against Paul, urging

Majority Standard Bible
where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus

NET Bible
So the chief priests and the most prominent men of the Jews brought formal charges against Paul to him.

New Heart English Bible
Then the high priest and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and they urged him,

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

Weymouth New Testament
The High Priests and the leading men among the Jews immediately made representations to him against Paul, and begged him--

World English Bible
Then the high priest and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and they begged him,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the chief priest and the principal men of the Jews disclosed to him [the things] against Paul, and were calling on him,

Berean Literal Bible
And the chief priests and the chiefs of the Jews made a presentation before him against Paul, and they were begging him,

Young's Literal Translation
and the chief priest and the principal men of the Jews made manifest to him the things against Paul, and were calling on him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the chief priest and first of the Jews exhibited to him against Paul, and besought him,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the chief priests, and principal men of the Jews, went unto him against Paul: and they besought him,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the leaders of the priests, and those first among the Jews, went to him against Paul. And they were petitioning him,

New American Bible
where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented him their formal charges against Paul. They asked him

New Revised Standard Version
where the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews gave him a report against Paul. They appealed to him
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the high priests and Jewish leaders informed him against Paul.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And The Chief Priests and the Rulers of the Jews informed him concerning Paulus and they were inquiring of him,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the chief priest and first men of the Jews informed him against Paul,

Godbey New Testament
and both the chief priests and the first men of the Jews appeared before him against Paul, and continued to entreat him,

Haweis New Testament
And the high-priest and the principal persons among the Jews informed him against Paul, and entreated him,

Mace New Testament
when the high priest and the chief of the Jews waited upon him with an information against Paul,

Weymouth New Testament
The High Priests and the leading men among the Jews immediately made representations to him against Paul, and begged him--

Worrell New Testament
and the high priests and chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and were beseeching him,

Worsley New Testament
And the high-priest and principal men among the Jews, appeared before him against Paul, and made application to him,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Trial Before Festus
1Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus 3to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.…

Cross References
Acts 23:12-15
When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...

Acts 24:1-9
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. / When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. / In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. ...

Acts 9:23-24
After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.

Acts 21:27-31
When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, / crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” / For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. ...

Acts 22:30
The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

Acts 23:1-5
Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” / At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. / Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.” ...

Acts 26:1-3
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, / especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.

Acts 6:11-14
Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” / So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. ...

Acts 7:57-58
At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. / They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 13:50
The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district.

Acts 14:19
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead.

Acts 17:5-8
The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” ...

Acts 18:12-13
While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. / “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said.

Acts 19:33-34
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people. / But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

Acts 21:11
Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”


Treasury of Scripture

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and sought him,

Acts 25:15
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

Acts 24:1
And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

Job 31:31
If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.

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Appeared Begged Besought Charges Chief High Immediately Informed Jewish Jews Leading Manifest Paul Presented Priest Priests Principal Representations Statements Urged Urging
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Appeared Begged Besought Charges Chief High Immediately Informed Jewish Jews Leading Manifest Paul Presented Priest Priests Principal Representations Statements Urged Urging
Acts 25
1. The Jews accuse Paul before Festus.
8. He answers for himself,
11. and appeals unto Caesar.
14. Afterwards Festus opens his matter to king Agrippa;
23. and he is brought forth.
25. Festus clears him of having done anything worthy of death.














where the chief priests
The term "chief priests" refers to the leading religious authorities in Jerusalem, primarily from the Sadducean sect. In Greek, "archiereis" denotes those who held the highest religious offices, including the high priest and former high priests. Historically, these individuals wielded significant influence over Jewish religious and political life. Their involvement in presenting a case against Paul underscores the gravity of the situation, as they were not merely religious figures but also political players within the Roman system.

and Jewish leaders
The "Jewish leaders" likely included members of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews. The Greek term "hoi presbyteroi" can be translated as "elders," indicating respected leaders within the community. This group would have included Pharisees and other influential figures. Their collaboration with the chief priests highlights a unified front against Paul, reflecting the deep-seated opposition he faced from the established religious order due to his teachings about Jesus Christ.

presented their case
The phrase "presented their case" in Greek is "enedeiknunto," which implies a formal accusation or laying out of charges. This legal terminology suggests a structured and deliberate effort to persuade the Roman governor of Paul's alleged crimes. Historically, this reflects the Jewish leaders' strategy to leverage Roman authority to achieve their aims, as they lacked the power to execute capital punishment themselves.

against Paul
Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee and a Roman citizen. His conversion to Christianity and subsequent missionary work made him a target for Jewish leaders who saw him as a threat to their religious authority and traditions. The opposition against Paul was not merely personal but ideological, as he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, which challenged the existing religious norms.

They urged him
The Greek word "parekaloun" is translated as "urged," indicating a strong, persistent appeal or request. This suggests that the Jewish leaders were not merely presenting facts but were actively lobbying the Roman governor, Festus, to take action against Paul. This reflects their desperation and determination to see Paul punished, as they perceived him as a significant threat to their authority and the Jewish faith.

(2) Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews . . .--Some of the best MSS. give the plural, "the chief priests." It is clear that they hoped to take advantage of the newness of Festus to his office. He was likely enough, they thought, to accept their statements and to yield to the pressure of those who had shown themselves powerful enough to bring about his predecessor's recall. And they have not forgotten their old tactics. Once again priests and scribes are ready to avail themselves of the weapon of the assassin. Possibly Festus had heard from Felix or Lysias, or others, of the former plot, and took care to be on his guard against this, and so the conspirators were again baffled.

Verse 2. - And for then, A.V.; chief priests for high priest, A.V. and T.R.; principal men for chief, A.V.; and they besought for and besought, A.V. Chief priests; as in ver. 15 and Acts 22:30. But the reading of the T.R., "the high priest," is more in accordance with Acts 24:1, and is approved by Alford. The high priest at this time was no longer Ananias, but Ismael the son of Phabi, who was appointed by King Agrippa towards the close of Felix's government (Josephus, 'Ant. Jud.,' 20. 8:8). He went to Rome to appeal to Nero about the wall which the Jews had built to screen the temple from being overlooked, and which Agrippa had ordered to be pulled down; and being detained at Rome as a hostage, he was succeeded in the high priesthood by Joseph Cabi the son of Simon. We may feel sure that on this occasion he was present before Festus, for he had not yet gone to Rome. Informed him (ἐνεφάνισαν); see Acts 24:1, note. The principal men of the Jews (οἱ πρῶτοι). In ver. 15 Festus speaks of them as οἱ πρεσβύτεροι. The question arises as to whether the two phrases are identical in their meaning. Meyer thinks that the πρῶτοι includes leading men who were not elders, i.e. not Sanhedrists. Josephus calls the leading Jews of Caesarea οἱ πρωτεύοντες τῶν Ἰουδαίων ('Ant. Jud.,' 20. 8:9).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[where]
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

chief priests
ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Jewish
Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

leaders
πρῶτοι (prōtoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.

presented their case
ἐνεφάνισάν (enephanisan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1718: To make visible (manifest); hence: I report (inform) against; pass: I appear before. From emphanes; to exhibit or disclose.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

Paul.
Παύλου (Paulou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

They
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

urged
παρεκάλουν (parekaloun)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.

[Festus]
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Apostles: Acts 25:2 Then the high priest and the principal (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 25:1
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