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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 25:13-27

We have here the preparation that was made for another hearing of Paul before King Agrippa, not in order to his giving judgment upon him, but in order to his giving advice concerning him, or rather only to gratify his curiosity. Christ had said, concerning his followers, that they should be brought before governors and kings. In the former part of this chapter Paul was brought before Festus the governor, here before Agrippa the king, for a testimony to both. Here is, I. The kind and friendly... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 25:22-27

25:22-27 Agrippa said to Festus, "I, too, would like to hear the man." "Tomorrow," he said, "you will hear him." So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with much pomp; and when they had come into the audience-chamber with the captains and the leading men of the city Paul was brought in. So Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are here present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole community of the Jews kept petitioning me both in Jerusalem and here, crying out that he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 25:26

Of whom I have no certain thing ,.... No certain crime, charge, or accusation; nothing of any moment or consequence, no particular thing, nothing but a heap of confused notions, of I know not who or what: to write unto my lord ; meaning the Roman emperor, under whom he served as governor of Judea: wherefore I have brought him before you ; the whole company then present: and especially before thee, O King Agrippa ; as being not only a man of eminence, dignity, and authority, but... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 25:27

For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner ,.... A man bound as if he was a malefactor, and guilty of some heinous crimes, to Rome, to be tried before Caesar: and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him ; for which he is a prisoner, and for which he is sent to the emperor: it seemed to Festus an absurd thing, and what might be justly looked upon by his master, a foolish, silly, and stupid piece of conduct, and void of common sense and reason, mere madness and folly;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 25:26

I have no certain thing to write - Nothing alleged against him has been substantiated. Unto my Lord - The title Κυριος , Dominus , Lord, both Augustus and Tiberius had absolutely refused; and forbade, even by public edicts, the application of it to themselves. Tiberius himself was accustomed to say that he was lord only of his slaves, emperor or general of the troops, and prince of the senate. See Suetonius, in his life of this prince. The succeeding emperors were not so modest; they... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 25:27

For it seemeth to me unreasonable, etc. - Every reader must feel the awkward situation in which Festus stood. He was about to send a prisoner to Rome, to appear before Nero, though he had not one charge to support against him; and yet he must be sent, for he had appealed to Caesar. He hoped therefore that Agrippa, who was of the Jewish religion, would be able to discern more particularly the merits of this case; and might, after hearing Paul, direct him how to draw up those letters, which,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 25:26

Verse 26− 26.That after examination had. We cannot tell whether the governor, in acquitting Paul before them, doth seek by this policy to entice him to let his appeal fall. For it was a thing credible that he might easily be persuaded to lay away fear, and to submit himself to the judgment and discretion of a just judge, especially if Agrippa should give his friendly consent. To what end soever he did it, he condemneth himself of iniquity by his own mouth, in that he did not let a guiltless... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 25:13-27

"Audi alteram pattem." It is a noble principle here ascribed by Festus to Roman justice, never to condemn upon the accusation of any one without giving the accused the power to face his accusers and answer for himself. English law is so conspicuous for its fairness to prisoners that there is no need to insist upon this maxim in regard to courts of justice. But there is great need to urge that the same just principle should rule our private censures and judgments upon our neighbors. It... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 25:13-27

Worldly judgment on religious matters. I. ITS SHORT - SIGHTEDNESS . It sees no further than the principles of civil right ( Acts 25:13-18 ). Herod Agrippa. II. had come to pay his greeting to the new procurator (see Josephus, 'Life,' § 11; and 'Bell. Jud.,' Acts 2:1 ). It was only after Agrippa had arrived some days, that Festus seized the opportunity of bringing the matter before him, probably hoping, from his acquaintance with Jewish affairs, that he would help him to a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 25:13-27

Paul in the presence of King Agrippa. I. A GREAT OPPORTUNITY for the Christian CHARACTER to be shown forth, as unabashed in the presence of worldly splendors, as simple-minded and modest, as untempted by that fear of man which bringeth a snare. II. As OCCASION eagerly seized by the apostle FOR TEACHING both the heathen and the Jew, that the gospel was not a mere idle question, or fanatical dream, or delusion, but a great reality, for which its preacher was ready to die if... read more

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