Acts 25:1
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαρχίᾳ,
into the province
G1885
ἐπαρχίᾳ,
into the province
Strong's:
G1885
Word #:
5 of 13
a special region of government, i.e., a roman praefecture
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
8 of 13
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
11 of 13
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
Historical Context
Roman procurators governed Judea from Caesarea but maintained Jerusalem relations carefully. The three-day interval allowed Festus to settle affairs before the politically crucial Jerusalem visit. Festus proved more competent than Felix but still faced the challenge of governing volatile Judea.
Questions for Reflection
- How do political transitions create both opportunities and dangers for God's people?
- What does Festus' immediate visit to Jerusalem teach about the importance of understanding local power dynamics?
Analysis & Commentary
Now when Festus was come into the province—Porcius Festus replaced Felix as procurator (Greek eparchos, ἔπαρχος), arriving in AD 59-60. The phrase after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem shows immediate political wisdom: Jerusalem's cooperation was essential for governing Judea. The verb anebe (ἀνέβη, ascended) is geographically accurate—Jerusalem sits at higher elevation—but also carries theological weight throughout Luke-Acts, as 'going up' to Jerusalem signals approaching destiny. Festus' prompt visit demonstrates administrative competence, but also exposed him to Jewish manipulation regarding Paul.