Acts 25:2

"Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea."

Key Reflection

When Festus arrived in his province of Judea, he followed a common practice among Roman governors by spending three days in the capital city of Caesarea before making the journey to Jerusalem. This ritualistic delay would have allowed Festus time to settle into his new role and prepare for meetings with local officials, including religious leaders and other influential figures, before addressing the affairs of Judea's capital. The original audience would have understood this sequence as a standard administrative procedure, symbolizing both governance and respect for tradition.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. Then the High Priest. The high priest at this time was Ismael, the son of Fabi. He had been promoted to that office by Agrippa. Josephus' Antiq. b. xx. ch. viii. & 8. It is probable, however, that the person here intended was Ananias, who had been high priest, and who would retain the name. See Barnes "Ac 23:2". Some Mss. read high priests here, in the plural number, and this reading is approved by Mill and Griesbach. There is, however, no improbability in supposing that the high priest Ismael might have been also as much enraged against Paul as the others. Informed him against Paul.

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