The Meaning of Acts 25:18 Explained

Acts 25:18

KJV: Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

YLT: concerning whom the accusers, having stood up, were bringing against him no accusation of the things I was thinking of,

Darby: concerning whom the accusers, standing up, brought no such accusation of guilt as I supposed;

ASV: Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such evil things as I supposed;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Against  whom  when the accusers  stood up,  they brought  none  accusation  of such things as  I  supposed: 

What does Acts 25:18 Mean?

Context Summary

Acts 25:13-27 - Seeking Charges Against His Prisoner
Mark the difference with which these two men regarded our Lord. To the one, He was the supreme object of his affection and his life; to the other, He was "one Jesus." Notice also that Paul had made clear his belief that Jesus was alive. Evidently the risen Christ had been the burden of Paul's preaching. Even Festus had come to understand that, although he would not accept it as true.
The Apostle's audience on the morrow was the most dignified and influential that he had addressed up to this point. As the Lord told Ananias that Saul had been chosen to bear His name before Gentiles and kings and the Children of Israel, so it came to pass. See Acts 9:15. There is no doubt that Paul was lifted far above the thought or fear of man by the consciousness that the Lord was standing by to strengthen him, so that through him the gospel might be fully known. Let us view every circumstance in our experience as the lamp-stand on which to place the lamp of testimony. It is a good thing to ask, "How far will this promote my Lord's business?" [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 25

1  The Jews accuse Paul before Festus
8  He answers for himself,
11  and appeals unto Caesar
14  Afterwards Festus opens his matter to king Agrippa;
23  and he is brought forth
25  Festus clears him of having done anything worthy of death

Greek Commentary for Acts 25:18

Brought [επερον]
Imperfect active of περω — pherō referring to their repeated charges. [source]
Of such evil things as I supposed [ων εγω υπενοουν πονηρων]
Incorporation of the antecedent πονηρων — ponērōn into the relative clause and change of the case of the relative from the accusative α — ha object of υπενοουν — hupenooun to the genitive like πονηρων — ponērōn (Robertson, Grammar, p. 719). Note the imperfect active υπενοουν — hupenooun of υπονοεω — huponoeō to emphasize Festus‘s state of mind about Paul before the trial. This old verb only three times in the N.T. (here, Acts 13:25 which see; Acts 27:27). [source]
Stood up [σταθέντες]
See on Luke 18:11; and Luke 19:8. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 25:18

Acts 25:10 Where I ought to be judged [ου με δει κρινεσται]
Rather, “Where I must be judged,” for δει — dei expresses necessity (it is necessary). Paul exposes the conduct of Festus with merciless precision. As thou also very well knowest (ως και συ καλλιον επιγινωσκεις — hōs kai su kallion epiginōskeis). “As thou also dost understand (hast additional knowledge, επιγινωσκεις — epiginōskeis) better” (than thou art willing to admit). That this is Paul‘s meaning by the use of the comparative καλλιον — kallion (positive καλως — kalōs) is made plain by the confession of Festus to Agrippa in Acts 25:18. Paul says that Festus knows that he has done no wrong to the Jews at all (ουδεν ηδικηκα — ouden ēdikēka) and yet he is trying to turn him over to the wrath of the Jews in Jerusalem. [source]
Acts 25:10 As thou also very well knowest [ως και συ καλλιον επιγινωσκεις]
“As thou also dost understand (hast additional knowledge, επιγινωσκεις — epiginōskeis) better” (than thou art willing to admit). That this is Paul‘s meaning by the use of the comparative καλλιον — kallion (positive καλως — kalōs) is made plain by the confession of Festus to Agrippa in Acts 25:18. Paul says that Festus knows that he has done no wrong to the Jews at all (ουδεν ηδικηκα — ouden ēdikēka) and yet he is trying to turn him over to the wrath of the Jews in Jerusalem. [source]
Acts 25:16 Before that the accused have [πριν η ο κατηγορουμενος εχοι]
This use of the optative in this temporal clause with πριν η — prin ē instead of the subjunctive αν εχηι — an echēi is in conformity with literary Greek and occurs only in Luke‘s writings in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 970). This sequence of modes is a mark of the literary style occasionally seen in Luke. It is interesting here to note the succession of dependent clauses in Acts 25:14-16.The accusers face to face (κατα προσωπον τους κατηγορους — kata prosōpon tous katēgorous). Same word κατηγορος — katēgoros as in Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:18. This all sounds fair enough. And have had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him Literally, “And should receive (λαβοι — laboi optative for same reason as εχοι — echoi above, second aorist active of λαμβανω — lambanō) opportunity for defence (objective genitive) concerning the charge” (εγκληματος — egklēmatos in N.T. only here and Acts 23:19 which see). [source]
Acts 25:16 The accusers face to face [κατα προσωπον τους κατηγορους]
Same word κατηγορος — katēgoros as in Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:18. This all sounds fair enough. [source]
1 Timothy 6:4 Surmisings [ὑπόνοιαι]
N.T.oSee Acts href="/desk/?q=ac+13:25&sr=1">Acts 13:25; Acts 25:18; Acts 27:27. [source]
1 Timothy 6:4 Knowing nothing [μηδεν επισταμενος]
Present middle participle of επισταμαι — epistamai Ignorance is a frequent companion of conceit. Doting (νοσων — nosōn). Present active participle of νοσεω — noseō to be sick, to be morbid over, old word, only here in N.T. Disputes of words Our “logomachy.” From λογομαχεω — logomacheō (2 Timothy 2:14), and that from λογος — logos and μαχομαι — machomai to fight over words, late and rare word, here only in N.T. See Plato (Tim. 1085 F) for “wars in words” Whereof (εχ ων — ex hōn). “From which things.” Surmisings Old word from υπονοεω — huponoeō to surmise, to suspect (Acts 25:18), only here in N.T. All these words are akin (envy, πτονος — phthonos strife, ερις — eris railings or slanders, βλασπημιαι — blasphēmiai), all products of an ignorant and conceited mind. [source]
1 Timothy 6:4 Disputes of words [λογομαχιας]
Our “logomachy.” From λογομαχεω — logomacheō (2 Timothy 2:14), and that from λογος — logos and μαχομαι — machomai to fight over words, late and rare word, here only in N.T. See Plato (Tim. 1085 F) for “wars in words” Whereof (εχ ων — ex hōn). “From which things.” Surmisings Old word from υπονοεω — huponoeō to surmise, to suspect (Acts 25:18), only here in N.T. All these words are akin (envy, πτονος — phthonos strife, ερις — eris railings or slanders, βλασπημιαι — blasphēmiai), all products of an ignorant and conceited mind. [source]
1 Timothy 6:4 Surmisings [υπονοιαι]
Old word from υπονοεω — huponoeō to surmise, to suspect (Acts 25:18), only here in N.T. All these words are akin (envy, πτονος — phthonos strife, ερις — eris railings or slanders, βλασπημιαι — blasphēmiai), all products of an ignorant and conceited mind. [source]
2 John 1:10 Bring [φέρει]
For the use of the verb see John 18:29; Acts 25:18; 2 Peter 2:11; 2 Peter 1:17, 2 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 1:13. [source]
Revelation 12:10 The accuser [ο κατηγωρ]
The regular form, κατηγορος — katēgoros occurs in John 8:10; Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18 and in many MSS. here in Revelation 12:10, but A reads κατηγωρ — katēgōr which Westcott and Hort accept. It was once considered a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word, but Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 93f.) quotes it from a vernacular magical papyrus of the fourth century a.d. with no sign of Jewish or Christian influence, just as διακων — diakōn appears as a vernacular form of διακονος — diakonos Only here is the word applied to Satan in the N.T. In late Judaism Satan is the accuser, and Michael the defender, of the faithful. [source]
Revelation 12:10 Now is come [αρτι εγενετο]
Αρτι — Arti (John 13:33) shows how recent the downfall of Satan here proleptically pictured as behind us in time (aorist tense εγενετο — egeneto).The salvation (η σωτηρια — hē sōtēria). Here “the victory” as in Revelation 7:10; Revelation 19:1.The power Gods power over the dragon (cf. Revelation 7:12; Revelation 11:17; Revelation 19:1).The kingdom (η βασιλεια — hē basileia). “The empire of God” as in Revelation 11:15.The authority of his Christ Which Christ received from the Father (Matthew 28:18; John 17:2). See Revelation 11:15 (Psalm 2:2) for “his Anointed.”The accuser (ο κατηγωρ — ho katēgōr). The regular form, κατηγορος — katēgoros occurs in John 8:10; Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18 and in many MSS. here in Revelation 12:10, but A reads κατηγωρ — katēgōr which Westcott and Hort accept. It was once considered a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word, but Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 93f.) quotes it from a vernacular magical papyrus of the fourth century a.d. with no sign of Jewish or Christian influence, just as διακων — diakōn appears as a vernacular form of διακονος — diakonos Only here is the word applied to Satan in the N.T. In late Judaism Satan is the accuser, and Michael the defender, of the faithful.Of our brethren The saints still on earth battling with Satan and his devices.Which accuseth them (ο κατηγορων αυτους — ho katēgorōn autous). Articular present active participle of κατηγορεω — katēgoreō old verb, to accuse, usually with the genitive of the person (John 5:45), but here with the accusative. This is the devil‘s constant occupation (Job 1:6.).Day and night Genitive of time. “By day and by night.” [source]
Revelation 12:10 The power [η δυναμις]
Gods power over the dragon (cf. Revelation 7:12; Revelation 11:17; Revelation 19:1).The kingdom (η βασιλεια — hē basileia). “The empire of God” as in Revelation 11:15.The authority of his Christ Which Christ received from the Father (Matthew 28:18; John 17:2). See Revelation 11:15 (Psalm 2:2) for “his Anointed.”The accuser (ο κατηγωρ — ho katēgōr). The regular form, κατηγορος — katēgoros occurs in John 8:10; Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18 and in many MSS. here in Revelation 12:10, but A reads κατηγωρ — katēgōr which Westcott and Hort accept. It was once considered a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word, but Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 93f.) quotes it from a vernacular magical papyrus of the fourth century a.d. with no sign of Jewish or Christian influence, just as διακων — diakōn appears as a vernacular form of διακονος — diakonos Only here is the word applied to Satan in the N.T. In late Judaism Satan is the accuser, and Michael the defender, of the faithful.Of our brethren The saints still on earth battling with Satan and his devices.Which accuseth them (ο κατηγορων αυτους — ho katēgorōn autous). Articular present active participle of κατηγορεω — katēgoreō old verb, to accuse, usually with the genitive of the person (John 5:45), but here with the accusative. This is the devil‘s constant occupation (Job 1:6.).Day and night Genitive of time. “By day and by night.” [source]
Revelation 12:10 The authority of his Christ [η εχουσια του Χριστου αυτου]
Which Christ received from the Father (Matthew 28:18; John 17:2). See Revelation 11:15 (Psalm 2:2) for “his Anointed.”The accuser (ο κατηγωρ — ho katēgōr). The regular form, κατηγορος — katēgoros occurs in John 8:10; Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18 and in many MSS. here in Revelation 12:10, but A reads κατηγωρ — katēgōr which Westcott and Hort accept. It was once considered a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word, but Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 93f.) quotes it from a vernacular magical papyrus of the fourth century a.d. with no sign of Jewish or Christian influence, just as διακων — diakōn appears as a vernacular form of διακονος — diakonos Only here is the word applied to Satan in the N.T. In late Judaism Satan is the accuser, and Michael the defender, of the faithful.Of our brethren The saints still on earth battling with Satan and his devices.Which accuseth them (ο κατηγορων αυτους — ho katēgorōn autous). Articular present active participle of κατηγορεω — katēgoreō old verb, to accuse, usually with the genitive of the person (John 5:45), but here with the accusative. This is the devil‘s constant occupation (Job 1:6.).Day and night Genitive of time. “By day and by night.” [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 25:18 mean?

concerning whom having stood up the accusers no charge were bringing of which I was expecting crimes
περὶ οὗ σταθέντες οἱ κατήγοροι οὐδεμίαν αἰτίαν ἔφερον ὧν ἐγὼ ὑπενόουν πονηρῶν

περὶ  concerning 
Parse: Preposition
Root: περί 
Sense: about, concerning, on account of, because of, around, near.
οὗ  whom 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
σταθέντες  having  stood  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἵστημι  
Sense: to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set.
κατήγοροι  accusers 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: κατήγορος 
Sense: an accuser.
οὐδεμίαν  no 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: οὐδείς 
Sense: no one, nothing.
αἰτίαν  charge 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: αἰτία  
Sense: cause, reason.
ἔφερον  were  bringing 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: φέρω  
Sense: to carry.
ὧν  of  which 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
ὑπενόουν  was  expecting 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ὑπονοέω  
Sense: to suppose, surmise.
πονηρῶν  crimes 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: πονηρός  
Sense: full of labours, annoyances, hardships.

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