To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
Parallel translations
- WEB To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him.
- BSB I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.
- NKJV To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’
- NASB I replied to them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any person before the accused meets his accusers face to face, and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges.
- NLT I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Festus explains that Roman custom does not condemn anyone before he meets his accusers and can defend himself. He upholds the principle of a fair hearing.
Overview
Festus articulates a cornerstone of Roman justice: the accused has the right to face his accusers and present a defense. This commitment to due process repeatedly protected Paul from his enemies' designs. Though imperfect, such ordered justice was an instrument God used to preserve his servant and advance the gospel.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- John 7:51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
- Deut 19:17–18Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
- Acts 23:30And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
- Acts 25:4–5But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
- Prov 18:17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
- Deut 17:4And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:
- Prov 18:13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
- Acts 26:1Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
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Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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Original language
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