Acts 25:2
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
Original Language Analysis
ἐνεφάνισάν
informed him
G1718
ἐνεφάνισάν
informed him
Strong's:
G1718
Word #:
1 of 16
to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεύς
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεύς
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
5 of 16
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλου
Paul
G3972
Παύλου
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
13 of 16
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 25:15About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.Acts 24:1And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.Proverbs 4:16For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
Historical Context
The high priest at this time was likely Ishmael ben Phabi, appointed by Agrippa II. 'Chief of the Jews' refers to Sanhedrin leaders and influential priests who wielded political power with Roman authorities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does persistent opposition to God's servants reveal the spiritual battle underlying visible circumstances?
- What does the leaders' immediate action upon Festus' arrival teach about the vigilance required to protect truth against political manipulation?
Analysis & Commentary
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul—the Greek enephanisan (ἐνεφάνισαν) means 'made clear charges,' using legal terminology. The phrase and besought him (parekaloun, παρεκάλουν) indicates persistent, urgent entreaty. After two years (Acts 24:27), the Jewish leadership immediately revived Paul's case with the new governor, revealing their undiminished hostility. Their 'informing' was accusatory intelligence meant to prejudice Festus before he heard evidence—a manipulation of justice through political pressure.