Acts 25:4

Authorized King James Version

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
μὲν
But
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#3
οὖν
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#4
Φῆστος
Festus
festal; phestus (i.e., festus), a roman
#5
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#6
τηρεῖσθαι
should be kept
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#7
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Παῦλον
that Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
#9
ἐν
at
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
Καισαρείᾳ
Caesarea
caesaria, the name of two places in palestine
#11
ἑαυτὸν
that he himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#12
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#13
μέλλειν
would
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#14
ἐν
at
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
τάχει
shortly
a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste
#16
ἐκπορεύεσθαι·
depart
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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