SEV Biblia, Chapter 25:4
Pero Festo respondi, que Pablo estaba guardado en Cesarea, adonde l mismo partiría presto.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 25:4
Verse 4. Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea] It is truly astonishing that Festus should refuse this favour to the heads of the Jewish nation, which, to those who were not in the secret, must appear so very reasonable; and especially as, on his coming to the government, it might be considered an act that was likely to make him popular; and he could have no interest in denying their request. But God had told Paul that he should testify of him at Rome; and he disposed the heart of Festus to act as he did; and thus disappointed the malice of the Jews, and fulfilled his own gracious design. He-would depart shortly] So had the providence of God disposed matters that Festus was obliged to return speedily to Caesarea; and thus had not time to preside in such a trial at Jerusalem. And this reason must appear sufficient to the Jews; and especially as he gave them all liberty to come and appear against him, who were able to prove the alleged charges.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 4. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea , etc.] 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-12 - See how restless malice is. Persecutors deem it a peculiar favour to have their malice gratified. Preaching Christ, the end of the law, wa no offence against the law. In suffering times the prudence of the Lord's people is tried, as well as their patience; they need wisdom. I becomes those who are innocent, to insist upon their innocence. Pau was willing to abide by the rules of the law, and to let that take it course. If he deserved death, he would accept the punishment. But if none of the things whereof they accused him were true, no man coul deliver him unto them, with justice. Paul is neither released no condemned. It is an instance of the slow steps which Providence takes by which we are often made ashamed, both of our hopes and of our fears and are kept waiting on God.
Greek Textus Receptus
ο 3588 T-NSM μεν 3303 PRT ουν 3767 CONJ φηστος 5347 N-NSM απεκριθη 611 5662 V-ADI-3S τηρεισθαι 5083 5745 V-PPN τον 3588 T-ASM παυλον 3972 N-ASM εν 1722 PREP καισαρεια 2542 N-DSF εαυτον 1438 F-3ASM δε 1161 CONJ μελλειν 3195 5721 V-PAN εν 1722 PREP ταχει 5034 N-DSN εκπορευεσθαι 1607 5738 V-PNN
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. Should be kept (threisqai). This puts it as a peremptory denial of the Jews' request by Festus; whereas it is only his statement of a fact. Render, as Rev., that Paul was kept in charge. Festus' reply is conciliatory, and is put on the ground of convenience.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
25:4 {However} (men oun). No antithesis expressed, though Page considers de in verse #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 #6) and was wholly within his rights to insist that they make their charges in Caesarea where he held court. {Was kept in charge} (tereisqai). Present passive infinitive of terew in indirect assertion. hoti with finite verb is more common after apokrinomai, but the infinitive with the accusative of general reference is proper as here (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1036). {Shortly} (en tacei). In quickness, in speed. Old and common usage, seen already in #Lu 18:8; Ac 12:7; 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 #6). Luke did not consider the matter important enough to be precise.
