Definition: But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly [thither].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 25:4. It’s a really important part of what’s happening when Paul is being brought before Festus. Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, Festus is telling Paul to go somewhere else – specifically, to Caesarea. Let’s unpack that a little further: Festus: This is a high-ranking official in the Roman government (likely a governor or something similar). He’s powerful and influential. Answered: He directly responded to Paul's plea. Keep at Caesarea: Festus is suggesting that Paul should be temporarily placed in Caesaria, which was a city located west of Jerusalem, but further away. It’s essentially saying he needs to keep him under close watch and supervision. Depart Shortly: This is the crucial part. He's telling Paul to leave soon – probably within a relatively short time frame. What does this mean in context? This verse is significant because it suggests that Festus doesn’t approve of Paul’s ministry or his message. He’s acting as a protector, preventing Paul from being exposed or potentially causing trouble. It's like the king deciding to keep someone under watch for safety reasons. Why might this happen? It could be because: Paul is controversial: He’s preaching about things that are considered dangerous or disruptive to the Roman Empire. Paul is challenging the status quo: His teachings challenge authority and the established order. Festus wants to control Paul: He might be worried about the potential consequences of Paul's influence. In short, this verse paints a picture of Festus as a powerful figure who isn’t thrilled with Paul's presence and is actively trying to keep him contained. Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: The historical context surrounding this event? What Festus might be hoping to achieve by keeping Paul under watch?