Acts 25:4

4 Festus, however, replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, and that he was himself going there very soon.

Acts 25:4 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 25:4

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea,
&c.] Or that he was kept there, and was in proper custody, under the care of a centurion, and should continue there; nor was there any reason why he should be removed, especially since he should return thither speedily, as he adds:

and that he himself would depart shortly thither;
the answer was a very wise and prudent one, and the reasons given were just and strong; as that Paul had been sent to Caesarea, was left bound by his predecessor there; there he found him, and there he was under a proper guard, and there it was right for him to continue; and besides, he himself should make no stay in Jerusalem, but should depart for Caesarea in a few days, and therefore it was very improper to send for Paul thither.

Acts 25:4 In-Context

2 The High Priests and the leading men among the Jews immediately made representations to him against Paul, and begged him--

3 asking it as a favour, to Paul's prejudice--to have him brought to Jerusalem. They were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.

4 Festus, however, replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, and that he was himself going there very soon.

5 "Therefore let those of you," he said, "who can come, go down with me, and impeach the man, if there is anything amiss in him."

6 After a stay of eight or ten days in Jerusalem--not more--he went down to Caesarea; and the next day, taking his seat on the tribunal, he ordered Paul to be brought in.