John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea , etc.] Or that he was kept there, and was in proper custody, under the care of a centurion, and should continue there; nor was there any reason why he should be removed, especially since he should return thither speedily, as he adds: and that he himself would depart shortly thither ; the answer was a very wise and prudent one, and the reasons given were just and strong; as that Paul had been sent to Caesarea, was left bound by his predecessor there; there he found him, and there he was under a proper guard, and there it was right for him to continue; and besides, he himself should make no stay in Jerusalem, but should depart for Caesarea in a few days, and therefore it was very improper to send for Paul thither.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-12 - See how restless malice is. Persecutors deem it a peculiar favour to have their malice gratified. Preaching Christ, the end of the law, wa no offence against the law. In suffering times the prudence of the Lord's people is tried, as well as their patience; they need wisdom. I becomes those who are innocent, to insist upon their innocence. Pau was willing to abide by the rules of the law, and to let that take it course. If he deserved death, he would accept the punishment. But if none of the things whereof they accused him were true, no man coul deliver him unto them, with justice. Paul is neither released no condemned. It is an instance of the slow steps which Providence takes by which we are often made ashamed, both of our hopes and of our fears and are kept waiting on God.
Greek Textus Receptus
ο 3588 T-NSM μεν 3303 PRT ουν 3767 CONJ φηστος 5347 N-NSM απεκριθη 611 5662 V-ADI-3S τηρεισθαι 5083 5745 V-PPN τον 3588 T-ASM παυλον 3972 N-ASM εν 1722 PREP καισαρεια 2542 N-DSF εαυτον 1438 F-3ASM δε 1161 CONJ μελλειν 3195 5721 V-PAN εν 1722 PREP ταχει 5034 N-DSN εκπορευεσθαι 1607 5738 V-PNN
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. Should be kept (threisqai). This puts it as a peremptory denial of the Jews' request by Festus; whereas it is only his statement of a fact. Render, as Rev., that Paul was kept in charge. Festus' reply is conciliatory, and is put on the ground of convenience.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
25:4 {However} (men oun). No antithesis expressed, though Page considers de in verse #6 to be one. They probably argued that it was easier for one man (Paul) to come to Jerusalem than for many to go down there. But Festus was clearly suspicious (verse #6) and was wholly within his rights to insist that they make their charges in Caesarea where he held court. {Was kept in charge} (tereisqai). Present passive infinitive of terew in indirect assertion. hoti with finite verb is more common after apokrinomai, but the infinitive with the accusative of general reference is proper as here (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1036). {Shortly} (en tacei). In quickness, in speed. Old and common usage, seen already in #Lu 18:8; Ac 12:7; 22:18. Festus is clearly within his rights again since his stay in Caesarea had been so brief. He did go down in "eight or ten days" (verse #6). Luke did not consider the matter important enough to be precise.
