Acts 25:4

4 But Festus answered that Paul would be kept in Caesarea and that he himself was returning there soon.

Acts 25:4 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 25:4

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea,
&c.] Or that he was kept there, and was in proper custody, under the care of a centurion, and should continue there; nor was there any reason why he should be removed, especially since he should return thither speedily, as he adds:

and that he himself would depart shortly thither;
the answer was a very wise and prudent one, and the reasons given were just and strong; as that Paul had been sent to Caesarea, was left bound by his predecessor there; there he found him, and there he was under a proper guard, and there it was right for him to continue; and besides, he himself should make no stay in Jerusalem, but should depart for Caesarea in a few days, and therefore it was very improper to send for Paul thither.

Acts 25:4 In-Context

2 There the leading priests and the important Jewish leaders made charges against Paul before Festus.

3 They asked Festus to do them a favor. They wanted him to send Paul back to Jerusalem, because they had a plan to kill him on the way.

4 But Festus answered that Paul would be kept in Caesarea and that he himself was returning there soon.

5 He said, "Some of your leaders should go with me. They can accuse the man there in Caesarea, if he has really done something wrong."

6 Festus stayed in Jerusalem another eight or ten days and then went back to Caesarea. The next day he told the soldiers to bring Paul before him. Festus was seated on the judge's seat