complete verse (Acts 25:1)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 25:1:

  • Uma: “Festus had only been ruling three days in that province, [when] he departed from the town of Kaisarea and went to Yerusalem.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “After three days from the time Pestus arrived in that place where he was governor, he went from Kesarea up to Awrusalam.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “Three days after Festus came to the province of Judea, he left the town of Caesarea and he went to Jerusalem.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Three days went-by starting from when-Festus -began to-be-governor in Cesarea, then he went to Jerusalem.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “From when Festo arrived in Cesarea, three days is how long he was there, and then he went to Jerusalem.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jerusalem .

Translation commentary on Acts 25:1

It should be pointed out that the first three verses are actually one sentence in Greek. By specifying three days, Luke intends for his readers to understand that the new governor attended to Paul’s case as soon as possible after he had assumed his authority. Arrived in the province may be taken geographically as in the Good News Translation and most other translations, or administratively as in the New English Bible (“taking up his appointment”) and Phillips (“taken over his province”).

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 25:1

Section 25:1–22

Paul was on trial before Festus

In this section, while Festus was in Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders asked that he have Paul’s trial there. Paul was in Caesarea. Festus returned to Caesarea. Wishing to please the Jews, he recommended that Paul return to Jerusalem for the trial. Paul refused, probably concerned about being put in the hands of the Jews. He said that he wanted Caesar to decide whether he was guilty or not.

King Agrippa came to visit Festus. Festus explained the situation with Paul, and King Agrippa asked to hear what Paul had to say. Festus said yes to his request.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

The Trial Before Festus (New International Version)
-or-
Festus heard Paul and his accusers in court
-or-
Paul before Festus (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Paul appeals to Caesar (New Jerusalem Bible)

Paragraph 25:1–5

25:1a

Three days after his arrival in the province: The word province refers to Judea, which included the cities of Caesarea and Jerusalem. The phrase implies that he began his rule as governor when he arrived.

25:1b

Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem: Caesarea was the Roman capital of the province. It is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Jerusalem. It was a two or three day journey. Caesarea is on the seacoast, and Jerusalem is up in the mountains at about 760 meters (2,500 feet) in elevation. So the phrase went up refers to going up in elevation. In some languages it is more natural not to use the word up. For example:

he went from Caesarea to Jerusalem (Good News Translation)

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