Acts 25 21

Acts 25:21 kjv

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Acts 25:21 nkjv

But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar."

Acts 25:21 niv

But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar."

Acts 25:21 esv

But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar."

Acts 25:21 nlt

But Paul appealed to have his case decided by the emperor. So I ordered that he be held in custody until I could arrange to send him to Caesar."

Acts 25 verses

Acts 25 21 Meaning

Acts 25:21 records Governor Festus's official statement regarding Paul's legal appeal to the highest Roman authority. Paul, exercising his right as a Roman citizen, requested to be held until the Emperor himself could render a final verdict. Festus, recognizing the validity of the appeal, therefore issued the order to keep Paul in custody with the intent of dispatching him to Caesar in Rome. This verse marks a pivotal moment, affirming Paul's legal standing and setting the stage for his divinely ordained journey to the heart of the Roman Empire.

Acts 25 21 Context

Acts chapter 25 details the challenges Festus faced upon becoming the Roman procurator of Judea, succeeding Felix. Immediately, Jewish leaders renewed their persistent efforts to condemn Paul, requesting he be brought to Jerusalem for trial, with the intention of ambushing and killing him en route. Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, suggested Paul be tried in Jerusalem. However, Paul, knowing the malicious intent, and recognizing his Roman right, declared his appeal to Caesar. This appeal fundamentally altered his immediate fate. Verses 21-22 present Festus explaining this complex situation to King Agrippa II and Bernice, who were visiting Caesarea, expressing his quandary about what specific charges to write for the Emperor against Paul, given the vague accusations. Historically, Roman governors in conquered territories, especially Judea, navigated a precarious balance of maintaining Roman law, collecting taxes, and placating local religious and political factions, often trying to avoid appearing insensitive or weak, and appealing to Caesar was a common legal recourse for Roman citizens to seek the ultimate form of justice from the highest authority in the empire.

Acts 25 21 Word analysis

• But: Greek de (δέ). A transitional particle introducing a new development or contrast, signifying a turning point from the Jewish demand to Paul's decisive action.
• when Paul appealed: Greek epikaloumenou (ἐπικαλουμένου). This verb implies a formal and solemn invocation, specifically in a legal sense, appealing to a higher power or authority. It is a participle indicating an ongoing action leading to the subsequent order. It highlights Paul exercising a precise right of Roman citizenship (jus provocationis).
• to be kept: Greek tereisthai (τηρεῖσθαι). An infinitive form of tereō (τηρέω), meaning to guard, observe, maintain. In this context, it specifically means to be held in custody or kept under guard, ensuring Paul remains available for the next legal step.
• for the decision: Greek diagnōseōs (διαγνώσεως). This term denotes a judgment, definite decision, or determination of a case, particularly by an authoritative person or body. Paul sought a clear and final resolution from the highest possible tribunal.
• of the Emperor: Greek Sebastou (Σεβαστοῦ). This is the Greek equivalent of the Latin title Augustus, meaning "venerable" or "revered." It was a common honorific title for the Roman emperor, denoting his divine or quasi-divine status in the Roman political theology. At this time, Nero held the title. Its use here reinforces the absolute authority invoked by Paul's appeal.
• I ordered him: Festus is speaking (egerai - ἐγώ) and the following verb reflects his directive. It shows the immediate, authoritative consequence of Paul's appeal, which Festus was legally bound to honor.
• to be kept: Greek eterethen (ἐτερεῖτο). Imperfect passive indicative of tereō. This reflects Festus's ongoing action, confirming Paul would continue to be guarded as per his appeal.
• until I could send him: Greek anapempsō (ἀναπέμψω). Meaning "to send up," "refer," or "dispatch." This verb indicates the official act of forwarding the prisoner and the associated legal case to the higher authority, Caesar.
• to Caesar: Greek Kaisara (Καίσαρα). Latin Caesar. Originally a family name, it became an imperial title for all subsequent Roman emperors, synonymous with the office of the emperor. Its repetition emphasizes the ultimate destination of Paul's appeal.

Words-group analysis:

• "But when Paul appealed to be kept": Highlights Paul's active choice, leveraging his Roman rights, transforming his situation from passive prisoner to one dictating his next legal step. This was not a passive request but an assertion of right.
• "for the decision of the Emperor": Underscores the gravitas and finality Paul sought. The emperor's decision was the ultimate earthly legal decree, implicitly contrasting with local and regional Roman judgments and certainly with the biased Jewish demands.
• "I ordered him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar": This phrase details Festus's administrative duty and his recognition of the legitimacy of Paul's appeal. It encapsulates the practical implementation of Roman law, ensuring Paul's safety and continued legal journey according to the dictates of citizenship. The dual mention of "Caesar" solidifies the destination and authority.

Acts 25 21 Bonus section

• Polemics against contemporary beliefs: By appealing to "Sebastos" (Augustus/Emperor), Paul indirectly engaged with the prevalent imperial cult. While he legally acknowledges Caesar's temporal authority, his ultimate allegiance and hope lie with the "Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:20). His very journey to Rome would result in testifying to Christ's superior claim over all other lords, including the venerated emperor, to the imperial guard and even those in Caesar's household.
• Paul's shrewdness and God's sovereignty: Paul's strategic appeal reveals a careful understanding of the legal system available to him as a Roman citizen. This was not a desperate gamble but a deliberate choice. It demonstrates how human actions, wisdom, and rights (like Roman citizenship) can be instrumental tools in the sovereign hand of God to accomplish His divine will and mission.
• Implications for Roman Justice: Festus's order highlighted the limits of local gubernatorial power. Once a Roman citizen appealed to Caesar, the governor could no longer make a final decision, effectively becoming an intermediary. This protected citizens from potentially corrupt local governance.

Acts 25 21 Commentary

Acts 25:21 concisely captures Festus's public declaration that Paul's appeal to Caesar was valid and binding, effectively moving Paul out of Jewish and local Roman jurisdiction and onto the path toward Rome. This wasn't merely a legal formality; it was a profound providential alignment. God's purpose for Paul to preach the Gospel in the imperial capital (Acts 23:11) was unfolding through the meticulous observance of Roman legal procedures and the exercise of Paul's citizenship. Festus, while perhaps annoyed by the lack of clear charges for the Emperor (Acts 25:26-27), recognized he had no alternative but to honor the appeal, revealing the integrity and order of the Roman legal system, however flawed by political motivations, as an instrument in God's sovereign plan. Paul’s appeal served to protect him from lethal plots in Judea and to strategically advance the gospel to the highest levels of Gentile power, echoing Paul’s earlier commission to stand before kings (Acts 9:15).