성경 주석서

Having come into the province (επιβας τη επαρχεια). Second aorist active participle of επιβαινω, to set foot upon. Literally, "Having set foot upon his province." Επαρχεια is a late word for province, in N.T. only here and Acts 23:34. Judea was not strictly a province, but a department (Page) of the province of Syria which was under a propraetor (λεγατυς Χαεσαρις) while Judea was under a procurator (επιτροπος). After three days (μετα τρεις ημερας). So in Acts 28:17 in Rome. That is on the third day, with a day of rest in between. Precisely the language used of the resurrection of Jesus "after three days" = "on the third day." So by common usage then and now.

return to '

The principal men (ο πρωτο). The first men, the leading men of the city, besides the chief priests. In verse Acts 25:15 we have "the chief priests and the elders." These chief men among the Jews would desire to pay their respects to the new Procurator on his first visit to Jerusalem. There was another high priest now, Ishmael in place of Ananias. Informed him against Paul (ενεφανισαν αυτω κατα του Παυλου). "This renewal of the charge after two years, on the very first opportunity, is a measure, not only of their unsleeping hatred, but of the importance which they attached to Paul's influence" (Furneaux). Besought (παρεκαλουν). Imperfect active, kept on beseeching as a special favour to the Jews.

return to '

Asking favour against him (αιτουμενο χαριν κατ' αυτου). A favour to themselves (middle voice), not to Paul, but "against" (κατ', down, against) him. That he would send for (οπως μεταπεμψητα). First aorist middle subjunctive of μεταπεμπω (see Acts 24:24; Acts 24:26) with final particle οπως like ινα. Aorist tense for single case. Laying wait (ενεδραν ποιουντες). See on Acts 23:16 for the word ενεδρα. Old idiom (Thucydides) for laying a plot or ambush as here. Only these two uses of ενεδρα in N.T. Two years before the Sanhedrin had agreed to the plot of the forty conspirators. Now they propose one on their own initiative. On the way (κατα την οδον). Down along, up and down along the way. Plenty of opportunity would occur between Caesarea and Jerusalem for ambush and surprise attacks.

return to '

Howbeit (μεν ουν). No antithesis expressed, though Page considers δε in verse Acts 25:6 to be one. They probably argued that it was easier for one man (Paul) to come to Jerusalem than for many to go down there. But Festus was clearly suspicious (verse Acts 25:6) and was wholly within his rights to insist that they make their charges in Caesarea where he held court. Was kept in charge (τηρεισθα). Present passive infinitive of τηρεω in indirect assertion. Hοτ with finite verb is more common after αποκρινομα, but the infinitive with the accusative of general reference is proper as here (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1036). Shortly (εν ταχε). In quickness, in speed. Old and common usage, seen already in Luke 18:8; Acts 12:7; Acts 22:18. Festus is clearly within his rights again since his stay in Caesarea had been so brief. He did go down in "eight or ten days" (verse Acts 25:6). Luke did not consider the matter important enough to be precise.

return to '

Them therefore which are of power among you (ο ουν εν υμιν δυνατο). "The mighty ones among you," "the men of power" (δυνατο) and authority, "the first men," the Sanhedrin, in other words. Note change here by Luke from indirect discourse in verse Acts 25:4, to direct in verse Acts 25:5 (φησιν, says he). Go down with me (συνκαταβαντες). Double compound (συν, κατα) second aorist active participle of συνκαταβαινω. It was a fair proposal. If there is anything amiss in the man (ε τ εστιν εν τω ανδρ ατοπον). Condition of the first class, assuming that there is (to be courteous to them), but not committing himself on the merits of the case. Ατοπον is an old word, specially common in Plato, meaning "out of place." In N.T. only here and Luke 23:41 which see; Acts 28:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:2. Note present tense active voice of κατηγορειτωσαν (imperative) of κατηγορεω, repeat their accusations.

return to '

On the morrow (τη επαυριον). Locative case of the article with ημερα understood (επαυριον, adverb, tomorrow). Festus lost no time for the chief men had come down with him. Sat on the judgment seat (καθισας επ του βηματος). A legal formality to give weight to the decision. Ingressive aorist active participle. For this use of βημα for judgment seat see on Acts 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 12:21; Acts 18:12; Acts 25:10; Acts 25:17. Same phrase repeated in Acts 25:17. To be brought (αχθηνα). First aorist passive infinitive of αγω after εκελευσεν (commanded). Same words repeated in Acts 25:17 by Festus.

return to '

When he was come (παραγενομενου αυτου). Genitive absolute of common verb παραγινομα (cf. Acts 24:24). Which had come down (ο καταβεβηκοτες). Perfect active participle of καταβαινω. They had come down on purpose at the invitation of Festus (verse Acts 25:5), and were now ready. Stood round about him (περιεστησαν αυτον). Second aorist (ingressive) active (intransitive) of περιιστημ, old verb, "Took their stand around him," "periculum intentantes" (Bengel). Cf. Luke 23:10 about Christ. They have no lawyer this time, but they mass their forces so as to impress Festus. Bringing against him (καταφεροντες). Bearing down on. See on Acts 20:9; Acts 26:10, only N.T. examples of this ancient verb. Many and grievous charges (πολλα κα βαρεα αιτιωματα). This word αιτιωμα for old form αιτιαμα is found in one papyrus (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary) in sense of "blame." But the charges were no "heavier" than those made by Tertullus (Acts 24:5-8). Paul's reply proves this and they were also probably on court record (Furneaux). See this adjective βαρυς (heavy) used with λυκο (wolves) in Acts 20:29. Which they could not prove (α ουκ ισχυον αποδειξα). Imperfect active of ισχυω, to have strength or power as in Acts 19:16; Acts 19:20. Repetition and reiteration and vehemence took the place of proof (αποδειξα, first aorist active infinitive of αποδεικνυμ, to show forth, old verb, in N.T. only here, Acts 2:22 which see and 1 Corinthians 4:9).

return to '

While Paul said in his defence (του Παυλου απολογουμενου). Genitive absolute again, present middle participle of απολογεομα, old verb to make defence as in Acts 19:33; Acts 24:10; Acts 26:1; Acts 26:2. The recitative οτ of the Greek before a direct quotation is not reproduced in English. Have I sinned at all (τ ημαρτον). Constative aorist active indicative of αμαρτανω, to miss, to sin. The τ is cognate accusative (or adverbial accusative). Either makes sense. Paul sums up the charges under the three items of law of the Jews, the temple, the Roman state (Caesar). This last was the one that would interest Festus and, if proved, would render Paul guilty of treason (μαjεστας). Nero was Emperor A.D. 54-68, the last of the emperors with any hereditary claim to the name "Caesar." Soon it became merely a title like Kaiser and Czar (modern derivatives). In Acts only "Caesar" and "Augustus" are employed for the Emperor, not "King" (Βασιλευς) as from the time of Domitian. Paul's denial is complete and no proof had been presented. Luke was apparently present at the trial.

return to '