Acts 25:1-5
 
Acts 25:1 (KJB)
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
 
Festus had probably sailed from Italy to Caesarea where he probably rested for a few days after the sailing trip. He came through Caesarea because it was the city where the Governor had his palace and the safest place for him to land. He knew about the assassins who were on the loose and probably wanted to stay as safe as he could till he could get a chance to deal with them. He also knew about the way that Felix had treated the Jews and he desired to conciliate them. After three days of rest, he then went to Jerusalem.
 
Acts 25:2 (KJB)
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
 
The Jews wasted no time in continuing their hate campaign against Paul because they wanted him dead. So no sooner did the new Governor come into Jerusalem, the Jews had gone to him with their false accusations. They did this repeatedly and since Paul had escaped their murderous plot, it was a sore point with them and enflamed them more. So they had continued to beg Festus to deal with Paul.
 
Acts 25:3 (KJB)
And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
 
Paul was still in Caesarea and the Jews had asked Festus if he would send for him and bring him to Jerusalem. The reason behind their request was that they would wait on the road between Caesarea and Jerusalem and then when they were in good position, they would kill Paul. Apparently the forty plus men had notified the Sanhedrin that they were still going to fulfill their oath.
 
Acts 25:4 (KJB)
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
 
Festus was probably informed of the plot against Paul’s life and knowing that Paul was a Roman citizen, Festus would not do anything to endanger the life of Paul or else it would mean he would get into trouble with his superiors in Rome. So Festus decided to leave Paul in Caesarea and that he would be traveling to Caesarea in a short time. The Jewish leaders had violated the law which they claimed Paul violated. (Exo 20:13 KJV) Thou shalt not kill. The very thing they wanted to kill Paul over was the very thing they engaged in. These leaders were truly spiritually dead and did not mind the things of God.
 
Acts 25:5 (KJB)
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.
 
Festus decided that if Paul was to be tried, it would have been a much better and safer place to be tried in Caesarea than in Jerusalem. So Festus tells them that those among them who are able to go with him, then go and let them bring their accusations with them and then he will be tried to see if there is any truth to the accusations. Just by the language of this verse, it seems Festus had considered their accusations to be very trivial from the point of view of Roman law.

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