25:5a

So: The Greek conjunction often translated as “therefore” introduces this verse. It introduces a logical conclusion for Festus going to Caesarea soon. The Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions translate this conjunction as So. For example:

So (Revised Standard Version)

Some English versions allow the context to indicate the connection and do not translate the conjunction.

wrong: The Greek word is literally “out of place.” It is a Greek euphemism that mildly refers to a crime or wrongdoing worthy of punishment. Festus probably used this word as a contrast to the urgent request of the Jewish leaders. It is not known if Festus already knew from Lysias (21:27–23:35) or from Felix that the Jewish leaders lacked proof that Paul did anything wrong (24:13). Other ways to translate this word are:

amiss
-or-
at fault (Revised English Bible)
-or-
improper

25:5b-c

let some of your leaders come down with me and accuse him there: These clauses are third person (“to them”) commands in Greek. English sometimes uses the word let for a third person command. Festus was the Roman leader over the Jews. Translate these clauses for someone with that kind of authority. For example:

Some of your leaders must come with me and press charges against the man there

25:5b

your leaders: This phrase in Greek is literally “the powerful ones among you.” This phrase probably refers to those Jews who would have the power/authority to represent the Jewish leadership in court before Festus. Only some of the Jews present would have that authority. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the men of authority among you (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
your authorities (God’s Word)
-or-
representatives of your Sanhedrin
-or-
those empowered among you ⌊for such a matter⌋

25:5c

accuse: This word refers to telling a judge what wrongs they believe a person has done and trying to prove that he did them. See how you translated this Greek word in 24:2 (“opened the prosecution”) or 24:19 (“bring charges”).

General Comment on 25:5a–c

In some languages it is more natural to have the “if” clause last. For example:

5bLet some of your leaders come with me 5cand press charges against the man there, 5aif he has done anything wrong. (New International Version)

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