Acts 25:7

When he was come (paragenomenou autou). Genitive absolute of common verb paraginomai (cf. Acts 24:24 ). Which had come down (oi katabebhkote). Perfect active participle of katabainw. They had come down on purpose at the invitation of Festus (verse Acts 5 ), and were now ready. Stood round about him (periesthsan auton). Second aorist (ingressive) active (intransitive) of periisthmi, old verb, "Took their stand around him," "periculum intentantes" (Bengel). Cf. Luke 23:10 about Christ. They have no lawyer this time, but they mass their forces so as to impress Festus. Bringing against him (kataperonte). Bearing down on. See on Luke 20:9 ; Luke 26:10 , only N.T. examples of this ancient verb. Many and grievous charges (polla kai barea aitiwmata). This word aitiwma for old form aitiama is found in one papyrus (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary) in sense of "blame." But the charges were no "heavier" than those made by Tertullus ( Luke 24:5-8 ). Paul's reply proves this and they were also probably on court record (Furneaux). See this adjective baru (heavy) used with lukoi (wolves) in Luke 20:29 . Which they could not prove (a ouk iscuon apodeixai). Imperfect active of iscuw, to have strength or power as in Luke 19:16 Luke 19:20 . Repetition and reiteration and vehemence took the place of proof (apodeixai, first aorist active infinitive of apodeiknumi, to show forth, old verb, in N.T. only here, Acts 2:22 which see and 1 Corinthians 4:9 ).