Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 25:20

20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions , I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

Festus pretends, that he knew not by what Rule those Cases were to be decided, nor before what Judges; whether before himself or the Iewish Sanhedrim. But this is only his pretension: The true Cause why he would not acquit Paul, tho he knew him to be innocent, we read, verse 9. viz. that he might do the Iews a pleasure.

He asked Paul this question, Whether he would go to Ierusalem, but with a Resolution to have sent him whether he would or no, had he not appealed; but then he durst not: For in certain Cases none could hinder Appeals, from any Judg, to the People in the former times, or to their Emperor in the latter times.

Marginal references: Or, I was doubtful how to enquire hereof.