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And desired favour against him (Paul), that he (Festus) would send for him to (come to)
Jerusalem, laying wait in (along) the way to kill him.

They ask that the case be reopened in Jerusalem, not to try Paul but to kill him. They are going
to ambush Paul. Religion sponsors violence and murder to get its desired end. In verses 4 and
5, Festus demonstrates his wisdom.

Act 25:4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was
going there shortly.

Paul has undergone a trial by legal steps, and Caesarea is the proper place to be, but Festus
now promises he will personally look into the situation when he gets there.

Act 25:5 "Therefore," he said, "let those who have authority among you go down with me and
accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him."

Festus says “If any irregularities exist, I will reopen the case.” In the opening verses, he refuses
to bring Paul to Jerusalem, but in verse 9 he will reverse himself, which causes Paul to take his
case to Caesar. Paul sticks with Roman law. He knows that he will not receive a fair trial in
Jerusalem with the Jews.
Act 25:6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to
Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought.

And when he had tarried (diatribe: to wear down, remain, abide, continue) among them more
than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat
commanded Paul to be brought.

The Jews “wined and dined” Festus for more than ten days to influence him to turn Paul over to
them.

Act 25:7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and
laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove,

These accusations have previously been made in Chapter 24. They are the same now, except
more vicious after two years. They are still unfounded and cannot be proven.

Act 25:8 while he answered for himself, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the
temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all."

While he answered for (defended) Himself, neither against the law of the Jews (disturbing the
peace, causing a riot), neither against (profaning) the temple, nor yet against Caesar (a revolt
against Rome), have I offended anything at all.

Act 25:9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing to
go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?"