Acts 25:8

While he. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “while Paul.”

Answered. Literally, “made his defense.” Probably he did not answer in detail the trivial charges recited against him (v. 7), but only those that, if sustained, would be held against him even by a Roman court. These were his supposed desecration of the Temple and contempt for Jewish law, and his alleged participation in seditious riots. Rome took notice of such things, and Festus might be misled into thinking Paul guilty of insurrection against Roman authority. Luke reports Paul’s defense under these three heads.

Against the law. Perhaps the Jewish leaders knew of Paul’s teaching that circumcision was merely a symbolic act (see Rom. 2:23-29), and construed this as an attempt to break down the law. They had brought this charge against Jesus (see on Matt. 5:17; Mark 2:16; 7:1-5). The Jews never challenged Paul respecting the Sabbath as they had formerly challenged Jesus (John 5:16-18).

Against the temple. The old charge of bringing Gentiles into the Temple (ch. 21:27, 28) was probably reviewed during the course of the hearing.

Against Caesar. If Paul had done nothing “against Caesar,” no Roman court would convict him. The superficiality of the accusations and the candor of Paul’s defense must have impressed Festus, an able and honest administrator (see Vol. V, p. 71).