Acts 25:27
New International Version
For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

New Living Translation
For it makes no sense to send a prisoner to the emperor without specifying the charges against him!”

English Standard Version
For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

Berean Standard Bible
For it seems unreasonable to me to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”

Berean Literal Bible
For it seems absurd to me, sending a prisoner, not also to specify the charges against him."

King James Bible
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

New King James Version
For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”

New American Standard Bible
For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him as well.”

NASB 1995
“For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him.”

NASB 1977
“For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him.”

Amplified Bible
For it seems absurd and unreasonable to me to send a prisoner [to Rome] without indicating the charges against him.”

Christian Standard Bible
For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner and not to indicate the charges against him.”

American Standard Version
For it seemeth to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not withal to signify the charges against him.

Contemporary English Version
It makes no sense to send a prisoner to the Emperor without stating the charges against him.

English Revised Version
For it seemeth to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not withal to signify the charges against him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I find it ridiculous to send a prisoner to Rome when I can't specify any charges against him."

Good News Translation
For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without clearly indicating the charges against him."

International Standard Version
For it seems to me absurd to send a prisoner without specifying the charges against him."

Majority Standard Bible
For it seems unreasonable to me to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.?

NET Bible
For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without clearly indicating the charges against him."

New Heart English Bible
For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against him."

Webster's Bible Translation
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not also to signify the crimes laid against him.

Weymouth New Testament
For, when sending a prisoner to Rome, it seems to me to be absurd not to state the charges against him."

World English Bible
For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for it seems to me irrational, sending a prisoner, not to also signify the charges against him.”

Berean Literal Bible
For it seems absurd to me, sending a prisoner, not also to specify the charges against him."

Young's Literal Translation
for it doth seem to me irrational, sending a prisoner, not also to signify the charges against him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For it seems to me unreasonable sending one in bonds, and not to signify the charges against him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not to signify the things laid to his charge.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to indicate the accusations set against him.”

New American Bible
For it seems senseless to me to send up a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.”

New Revised Standard Version
for it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For it is not proper to send a prisoner, without writing down the charges against him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For it is not right that when we send a man as a prisoner that we do not write his offense.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not to make known the charges that are against him.

Godbey New Testament
for it seems to me to be unreasonable, sending a prisoner, and not to signify charges against him.

Haweis New Testament
For it appears to me highly unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not also signify the charges against him.

Mace New Testament
for it seems to me absurd to send a prisoner without expressing the crimes laid to his charge."

Weymouth New Testament
For, when sending a prisoner to Rome, it seems to me to be absurd not to state the charges against him."

Worrell New Testament
for it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to signify also the charges against him."

Worsley New Testament
For it seems to me absurd, to send a prisoner and not to signify the crimes laid against him."

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
26I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign one about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write. 27For it seems unreasonable to me to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”

Cross References
Acts 23:29
I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.

Acts 26:31-32
On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 24:12-13
Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. / Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.

Acts 28:18
They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.

Luke 23:4
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

John 18:38
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.

John 19:4
Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

Matthew 27:23
“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

Mark 15:14
“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

1 Peter 2:12
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

1 Peter 3:16
keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Proverbs 17:15
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.

Proverbs 18:5
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

Isaiah 5:23
who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.

Deuteronomy 25:1
If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned.


Treasury of Scripture

For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not with to signify the crimes laid against him.

Proverbs 18:13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

John 7:51
Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

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Charges Clear Crimes Him Indicate Laid Making Prisoner Reason Rome Seem Seemeth Seems Sending Signify State Think Unreasonable Withal
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Charges Clear Crimes Him Indicate Laid Making Prisoner Reason Rome Seem Seemeth Seems Sending Signify State Think Unreasonable Withal
Acts 25
1. The Jews accuse Paul before Festus.
8. He answers for himself,
11. and appeals unto Caesar.
14. Afterwards Festus opens his matter to king Agrippa;
23. and he is brought forth.
25. Festus clears him of having done anything worthy of death.














For it seems unreasonable to me
This phrase reflects the Roman legal principle of justice and fairness. In the Roman judicial system, it was considered unjust to punish or send someone for trial without clear charges. This principle aligns with biblical teachings on justice, such as in Proverbs 21:15, which states that justice brings joy to the righteous. The speaker, Festus, is expressing a concern for legal propriety, which was a valued aspect of Roman governance.

to send on a prisoner
The context here involves the Apostle Paul, who is being held as a prisoner. Paul’s imprisonment is a significant theme in Acts, highlighting the early church's struggles and the spread of the Gospel despite opposition. The term "prisoner" also connects to Paul's own writings, where he often refers to himself as a "prisoner of Christ" (Ephesians 3:1), indicating his commitment to the Gospel above his personal freedom.

without specifying the charges against him.
This phrase underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in legal proceedings. In Roman law, it was crucial to have specific accusations before a trial could proceed. This reflects the biblical principle of truthfulness and clarity, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 19:15, which requires clear evidence for accusations. The lack of specific charges against Paul highlights the baseless nature of the accusations from the Jewish leaders, emphasizing the theme of unjust persecution faced by early Christians. This situation also foreshadows the trials of Jesus, who was similarly accused without legitimate charges, drawing a parallel between the experiences of Christ and His followers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is imprisoned and awaiting trial. He is a central figure in the spread of Christianity and is known for his missionary journeys and epistles.

2. Festus
The Roman governor who succeeded Felix. He is responsible for overseeing Paul's trial and is trying to understand the charges against Paul.

3. Agrippa
King Agrippa II, who is visiting Festus. He is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and laws, and Festus seeks his counsel regarding Paul.

4. Caesarea
The location where Paul is being held and where Festus and Agrippa are discussing his case.

5. Charges Against Paul
The Jewish leaders have accused Paul of offenses against their law, the temple, and Caesar, but Festus finds these charges unclear and insufficient for a Roman trial.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Justice and Clarity
Festus's statement underscores the necessity of clear and just legal proceedings. As Christians, we should advocate for justice and transparency in all areas of life.

God's Sovereignty in Legal Matters
Despite the unclear charges, God uses these circumstances to fulfill His purposes, allowing Paul to testify before rulers. Trust in God's sovereignty even when situations seem unjust or unclear.

The Role of Christian Witness
Paul's situation provides an opportunity for him to witness to high-ranking officials. We should be prepared to share our faith in all circumstances, trusting God to use our testimony for His glory.

Understanding and Respecting Authority
Festus seeks Agrippa's counsel, showing respect for his knowledge. Christians should respect and seek wisdom from authorities and those with greater understanding, especially in complex situations.Verse 27. - In sending... not for to send... and not, A.V.; charges for crimes laid, A.V. Unreasonable; ἄλογον, only in 2 Peter 2:12 and Jude 1:10, "without reason," applied to the brute creation; but found in the LXX. of Exodus 6:12 and Wisd. 11:15; and also frequent in medical writers. The opposite phrase, κατὰ λόγον, "reasonably," in Acts 18:14, is also of very frequent use in medical writers. Ἄλογος ἀλόγως ἀλογία are also not uncommon in Polybius, and in classical Greek generally. The charges against him (τὰς κατ αὐτοῦ αἰτίας). The technical legal term for the "accusation" or "charge" formally made against the prisoner, and which was to form the subject of the trial (come. Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

it seems
δοκεῖ (dokei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.

unreasonable
ἄλογον (alogon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 249: Without reason, irrational; contrary to reason, absurd. Irrational.

to me
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to send on
πέμποντα (pemponta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3992: To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.

a prisoner
δέσμιον (desmion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1198: One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.

without
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

specifying
σημᾶναι (sēmanai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4591: To signify, indicate, give a sign, make known. From sema; to indicate.

the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

charges
αἰτίας (aitias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 156: From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime.

against
κατ’ (kat’)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

him.”
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Apostles: Acts 25:27 For it seems to me unreasonable (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 25:26
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