ACTS 25:16 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.”
'I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges.' - Festus rehearses his correct refusal, grounding it in Roman legal principle: accusers and accused must meet; the accused has the right of defense (apologia, apologia). This principle, fundamental to Roman justice, becomes Paul's shield. Luke shows how Roman law, when properly applied, protects the innocent from mob injustice.
Church Fathers on Acts 25:16
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have license to answer for himself concerning the crime…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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