Acts 25:12
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συμβουλίου
the council
G4824
συμβουλίου
the council
Strong's:
G4824
Word #:
7 of 13
advisement; specially, a deliberative body, i.e., the provincial assessors or lay-court
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
8 of 13
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ἐπικέκλησαι
Hast thou appealed unto
G1941
ἐπικέκλησαι
Hast thou appealed unto
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
10 of 13
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
The advisory council (consilium) helped procurators navigate complex legal and political situations. Once an appeal was formally accepted, the provincial governor lost jurisdiction entirely. Nero was emperor (AD 54-68), and Paul would eventually appear before his tribunal—though tradition suggests Paul was released before Nero's violent persecution of Christians began in AD 64.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Paul's legal knowledge serve gospel purposes without compromising spiritual priorities?
- What does this teach about God's sovereignty in using even pagan legal systems to accomplish His purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
When he had conferred with the council (συλλαλήσας μετὰ τοῦ συμβουλίου, syllalēsas meta tou symbouliou)—Festus consulted his advisory council (consilium), composed of military officers and legal experts. This shows the appeal's gravity: once accepted, it was irrevocable. The Latin legal maxim 'provocatio ad Caesarem' removed the case from provincial jurisdiction entirely.
Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go—Festus's formal acknowledgment follows required legal protocol. The rhetorical question and declarative response create official record. Festus's problem is now solved: Paul is no longer his responsibility. But God's purpose advances: Paul will proclaim Christ before Caesar's household (Philippians 4:22).