25:9a

wishing: Here this word means “wanting.” Festus wanted to do a favor for the Jews.

favor: This word refers to doing something that would make someone else happy, at no cost to that person. The person doing this would not explicitly ask for something in return, but a favor from the other person may be implied. See how you translated the word favor in 24:27.

said to Paul: This phrase in Greek is literally “answering said to Paul.” This indicates that Festus spoke in response to what Paul said in 25:8a–c. For example:

responding said to Paul

But Festus does not respond specifically to what Paul said in 25:8, so many English versions allow the context to indicate “answering” and omit that Greek word. Since Festus asked a question, some English versions introduce the speech in that way. For example:

asked Paul (New Revised Standard Version)

25:9b

Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem: This clause refers to Paul allowing Festus to take him to Jerusalem. Festus would still try to protect him on the way, but he did not know of the plot of the Jewish leaders to kill Paul. Festus allowed Paul to decide to go or not. Other ways to translate this clause are:

Will you allow me to take you up to Jerusalem
-or-
Is it okay/acceptable if I take you to Jerusalem

25:9c

stand trial before me on these charges: This phrase probably indicates that Festus would judge Paul on these charges in Jerusalem. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

there be tried on these charges before me (English Standard Version)
-or-
to be tried there on these charges with me as your judge (God’s Word)
-or-
for me to judge you there on these charges (New Century Version)

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