What is the meaning of Acts 25:26?

I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign about him

• Governor Festus openly admits that, after private hearings (Acts 25:7–9) and review of the Sanhedrin’s accusations, he still has “nothing definite.”

• Like Lysias before him, who found “no charge deserving death or imprisonment” (Acts 23:29), Festus recognizes the case is religious, not criminal—echoing Pilate’s struggle over Jesus (Luke 23:4, 14–15).

• The phrase highlights God’s providence: each Roman official affirms Paul’s innocence, fulfilling the Lord’s promise that Paul would “bear My name before kings” (Acts 9:15) without just cause for condemnation.

---

Therefore I have brought him before all of you

• Festus convenes a public hearing with local dignitaries (Acts 25:23).

• By widening the audience, he hopes collective wisdom will clarify charges, yet unknowingly provides Paul a larger platform to testify of Christ (compare Acts 13:44–48).

• God turns a political maneuver into a gospel opportunity, just as He did when Joseph stood before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14–16).

---

and especially before you, King Agrippa

• Agrippa II, well-versed in Jewish law and customs (Acts 26:2–3), is Festus’ best resource for interpreting theological disputes.

• Agrippa’s presence fulfills Jesus’ forecast that the gospel would reach “kings” (Matthew 10:18; Acts 9:15).

• The contrast is striking: a powerful monarch sits in judgment, yet the prisoner carries the true authority of Christ (Acts 26:29).

---

so that after this inquiry I may have something to write

• Roman protocol required a governor to send formal charges with a prisoner who appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:12).

• Festus admits the absurdity of forwarding a case with no accusations (Acts 25:27); justice demands clarity (Deuteronomy 25:1).

• Unwittingly, Festus confirms Paul’s innocence again, reinforcing Luke’s theme that Christianity poses no threat to Roman order (Acts 18:14–15).

---

summary

Acts 25:26 reveals a governor stymied by baseless accusations, a king summoned for insight, and a sovereign God orchestrating events so Paul can testify all the way to Rome. Festus’ confession—“I have nothing definite”—underscores Paul’s innocence and God’s providence. What began as a legal dilemma becomes a divine appointment, ensuring the gospel advances from Caesarea’s courtroom to Caesar’s palace (Philippians 1:12–13).