What is the meaning of Acts 25:19? they only had some contentions with him Luke, the inspired author of Acts, shows Governor Festus trying to explain Paul’s case to King Agrippa. Festus admits that the accusations brought by the Jewish leaders were not civil crimes but “contentions.” • In other words, Paul’s opponents were not proving treason or violence (compare Acts 23:29; Acts 25:7–8). • Festus’ choice of words highlights that this is an internal theological debate rather than a legal matter, echoing Gallio’s verdict in Acts 18:15. • Scripture consistently distinguishes between genuine wrongdoing and disputes over doctrine (1 Peter 4:15–16; Titus 3:9). regarding their own religion Festus recognizes that the core of the dispute is “their own religion”—literally Judaism. • Paul never denied his Jewish heritage (Acts 24:14; Romans 11:1). • The conflict centered on the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Acts 26:22–23). • The gospel does not abolish God’s previous revelation but completes it in Christ (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 10:1). and a certain Jesus who had died Festus notes that the argument revolves around “a certain Jesus.” To a Roman official, Jesus is simply a dead man. • This outsider’s perspective mirrors how the world often reduces Jesus to a historical figure (John 1:10–11). • The Sanhedrin had demanded Jesus’ death (Matthew 26:65–66), believing it ended His influence. • Yet prophecy foretold both His death and triumph (Isaiah 53:8–10; Psalm 22:15–18). but whom Paul affirmed to be alive Here lies the heart of the gospel and the crux of the courtroom tension. • Paul proclaims the literal, bodily resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–8; Acts 13:30–31). • The resurrection validates every promise of God (Romans 1:4; Acts 17:31). • Because Jesus lives, salvation, judgment, and hope are certainties (1 Peter 1:3; John 14:19). • Festus’ bafflement underscores the supernatural nature of this claim—one that cannot be confined to human legal categories (Acts 26:24–25). summary Acts 25:19 records Festus’ candid synopsis: Paul’s accusers could present only religious disagreements about Jesus’ resurrection. The verse underscores that Christianity rises or falls on the fact that Jesus, once dead, is now alive. Civil courts may shrug, but Scripture testifies—and believers joyfully affirm—that the risen Christ is the fulfillment of the Law, the center of all contention, and the sure foundation of our faith. |
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