Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Acts 25:1

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The verse more rightly reads, “Festus, therefore, having arrived in the province, after three days, he ascended to Jerusalem from Caesarea” (CG).

Chapter 24 ended with a note that Felix was replaced with Festus Porcius and that Paul remained in prison, even after two full years under Felix. With the arrival of Festus as the new governor, it next says, “Festus, therefore, having arrived in the province.”

He has assumed the position as governor. It is expected that he would be in the province from which he would govern for a few days. He would meet those who were assigned under him, get his house and effects in order, etc. However, after a short time, he wisely did what a responsible governor would do. Therefore, it next says, “after three days, he ascended to Jerusalem from Caesarea.”

Only a short time after his arrival, Festus “ascended” to Jerusalem. Though Caesarea was where he ruled from, Jerusalem is highlighted. It is an ascent to Jerusalem from Caesarea. However, despite all manuscripts reading this way, many translations change the wording and say , “from Caesarea to Jerusalem.”

It is unfortunate because it takes the emphasis off of what is being conveyed. This trip was not an unimportant thing to do. It was the complaints of the Jews there that got Felix removed, and Festus needed to show that they were important to him as a leader.

It may even be that a note was waiting for him upon his arrival in Caesarea that they wanted to meet with him. Paul would have continued to be on their minds, and with a change in leadership, there would then have been a chance to have Paul released to them or at least brought to them. If so, they could have him cut down on the trip to Jerusalem, exactly as they had planned two years earlier. This is just what verse 3 will indicate.

Life application: As you read the Bible, think about why things are worded the way they are. That is, if the translation is a competent one and if it is properly structured in its presentation. In the case of this verse, you would not notice the change unless you read other translations and compared them.

Having a parallel Bible with three or even four translations in it is a good way to compare things. Once you see a striking difference in a translation, you can then research further as to why they are different. Then, making your own margin note will remind you the next time through which translation is correct and why.

Study! Then think on what you have studied! Why are things written as they are? The more you think about what you are reading, the more your mind will understand things concerning this precious word that God has given to us. Enjoy your time in Scripture. You will get out of it just what you put into it. So read! Study! And enjoy!

Heavenly Father, how grateful we are that You have expressed Your thoughts to us in a word that is understandable and directed to who we are as Your creatures. It demonstrates what a great and loving God You are. Thank You for Your precious word. And thank You for Jesus who is revealed in it. Yes, thank You, O God. Amen.