Acts 25:7
And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
Original Language Analysis
παραγενομένου
was come
G3854
παραγενομένου
was come
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
1 of 21
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
αὐτοῦ
when he
G846
αὐτοῦ
when he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
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
περιέστησαν
stood round about
G4026
περιέστησαν
stood round about
Strong's:
G4026
Word #:
4 of 21
to stand all around, i.e., (near) to be a bystander, or (aloof) to keep away from
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
7 of 21
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
καταβεβηκότες
which came down
G2597
καταβεβηκότες
which came down
Strong's:
G2597
Word #:
8 of 21
to descend (literally or figuratively)
πολλὰ
many
G4183
πολλὰ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
10 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φέροντες
laid
G5342
φέροντες
laid
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
14 of 21
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
15 of 21
(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 #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλου,
Paul
G3972
Παῦλου,
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
17 of 21
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Acts 24:13Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.Acts 25:24And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.Luke 23:2And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.Luke 23:10And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin had been plotting Paul's death since his arrest (Acts 23:12-15). Their 'grievous complaints' likely recycled earlier charges: profaning the temple, teaching against Moses, and sedition. Roman law required witnesses and evidence, not mere accusation. Their failure to prove charges vindicated Paul completely.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the accusers' inability to prove charges despite overwhelming resources demonstrate God's protection of His servants?
- What does this scene teach about the eventual failure of all false accusations against Christ's church?
Analysis & Commentary
The Jews... stood round about—The Greek 'periestēsan' suggests a hostile encircling, creating an intimidating atmosphere. They brought many and grievous complaints (πολλὰ καὶ βαρέα αἰτιώματα, polla kai barea aitiōmata)—'many and weighty accusations'—language suggesting serious criminal charges, possibly capital offenses.
Yet the devastating phrase: which they could not prove (ἀποδεῖξαι, apodeixai). Despite two years to prepare, coordinated efforts by powerful religious leaders, and numerical superiority, the accusers produced no evidence. This judicial failure exposes the emptiness of religious opposition to the gospel. Truth requires no conspiracy; lies require coordination that eventually unravels under legal scrutiny.