25:2a
where: The Greek word is literally “and.” It introduces the meeting of Festus and the Jewish leaders. For example:
And (Revised Standard Version)
But many English versions do not translate this Greek conjunction and allow the context to indicate the connection.
the chief priests: This phrase refers to the priests who were leaders of other priests and religious leaders of Israel. See how you translated this phrase in 4:23 or 22:30.
Jewish leaders: This phrase in Greek is literally “the first ones of the Jews.” The word “first” refers to the people who were most important among the Jews, namely the leaders and other men who had status and power. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
the principal men of the Jews (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the most prominent men of the Jews (NET Bible)
-or-
the other important Jewish leaders (God’s Word)
presented their case against Paul: The Greek words are literally “explained to him against Paul.” For example:
informed him of the case against Paul (New Jerusalem Bible)
The Jewish leaders told Festus about the accusations they had against Paul. They were probably the same accusations that they told Felix (24:5–6). Paul was not there, because he was in Caesarea. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
laid out their case against Paul (English Standard Version)
-or-
told him about their charges against Paul
-or-
told him what they accused Paul about
25:2b
They urged Festus: This clause appears at the end of 25:2 in the UBS4 Greek. Since it is the main verb for 25:3, some English versions put this clause in 25:3a. If possible, put this clause in 25:2b as the Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions have done. For example:
2b…they urged him, 3asking as a favor… (Revised Standard Version)
But if the common language version puts this clause in 25:3a, you can follow that.
They urged: The Jewish leaders probably wanted Festus to agree with them before he left Jerusalem, so he could send for Paul immediately. Festus was the leader whom Caesar had placed as leader to rule the Jews. Paul was under Festus’ control, so they had to try to convince him to agree. They could not demand anything from him. Translate in a way that shows that the Jewish leaders respected Festus properly.
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