What does Acts 25:10 mean?

Festus has just taken the position of governor about two weeks prior. He is trying to develop a good relationship with the Jewish leadership—something the previous governor, Felix, shirked in lieu of cruelty and violence. But Paul is not cooperating.

Paul has been in Caesarea Maritima for two years, ever since the Sanhedrin conspired for his murder (Acts 23:12–15) and presented false accusations before then-governor Felix (Acts 24:5–6). Now, the Sanhedrin has presented the same unprovable and untrue charges in front of Festus (Acts 25:7). They've also asked an official request of Festus: to bring Paul down to Jerusalem for trial. Festus tries to be accommodating, probably not realizing it's a trap for Paul (Acts 25:2–3).

When Paul had first been brought before Felix (Acts 24:1–21), Felix was cruel and corrupt, yet also experienced as a leader over the Jews. Festus is more ethical, but a novice. Felix knew Paul was innocent but delayed the acquittal to please the Sanhedrin (Acts 24:27). Paul doesn't know if Festus has the wherewithal to defy the Jews and release him.

So, when Festus asks Paul if he will allow the trial to move to Jerusalem, Paul declines. Festus is the governor of Caesarea, where they are; Jerusalem, where the "crime" took place; and Cilicia, where Paul is from: Festus has equal jurisdiction in all three places. Because of his Roman citizenship, Paul gets to choose, not Festus. Paul is very likely aware that the bounty on his head had not been lifted (Acts 23:12–15; 25:3).

But Paul has another option. He can choose to have the trial in Caesarea, Jerusalem, Tarsus—or Rome, before a higher court, referred to as an appeal "to Caesar." To free himself of the legal merry-go-round, he appeals "to Caesar" (Acts 25:11). The Sanhedrin is no longer his problem.