5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
5 Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there."
5 "So," said he, "let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him."
5 "You're perfectly welcome," he said, "to go back with me then and accuse him of whatever you think he's done wrong."
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."
5 So he said, "Those of you in authority can return with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, you can make your accusations."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 25:5
Commentary on Acts 25:1-12
(Read Acts 25:1-12)
See how restless malice is. Persecutors deem it a peculiar favour to have their malice gratified. Preaching Christ, the end of the law, was 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. It becomes those who are innocent, to insist upon their innocence. Paul was willing to abide by the rules of the law, and to let that take its course. If he deserved death, he would accept the punishment. But if none of the things whereof they accused him were true, no man could deliver him unto them, with justice. Paul is neither released nor 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.