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

This verse signifies a temporary stalemate in Paul's legal proceedings. King Agrippa, having heard Paul's defense, recognizes that Paul has committed no crime worthy of death or imprisonment according to Roman law. However, Agrippa, also aware of the ongoing appeal to Caesar, defers a final judgment, implying a continued holding of Paul until Caesar's verdict. This indicates Agrippa's desire to avoid a definitive ruling that might antagonize Jewish leaders or contradict the established appeal process.

Acts 25 21 Context

Following Paul's arrest in Jerusalem and his subsequent defense before various authorities including Felix and Festus, he appealed to Caesar's judgment. This verse occurs during the examination of Paul by King Agrippa II and his wife Bernice. Festus, the Roman governor, presents Paul's case to Agrippa, highlighting the charges brought by the Jews. Paul seizes the opportunity to deliver a lengthy defense of his faith and ministry, recounting his conversion experience and his mission to the Gentiles. Agrippa, like Felix, is intrigued but not fully convinced, ultimately concluding that Paul has committed no offense worthy of death. However, due to Paul's appeal to Caesar, Festus is bound to send him to Rome, thus creating a legal deadlock where no immediate decision can be rendered by the local authorities. The historical setting is Caesarea Maritima, under Roman jurisdiction.

Acts 25 21 Word Analysis

• ἐπεὶ (epei) - "since," "because." It introduces a reason or cause for the subsequent statement. Here, it indicates the reason for not immediately releasing Paul.
• καὶ (kai) - "and," "even." A common conjunction used to link clauses or words.
• εἰς (eis) - "into," "to," "for." Indicates motion toward a destination or purpose.
• τὸ (to) - "the" (neuter definite article). Used here before "dedicatissimum" to mark it as a specific category.
• dedicatissimum (dedicatissimum) - This word is not found in the Greek text of Acts 25:21. The Greek word present is κατηγορίαν (kategorian), meaning "charge" or "accusation." Festus, referring to Agrippa, states that he has no κατηγορίαν of offenses deserving death to bring against Paul. The intent is to convey that the accusations were not of that gravity.
• πράγματα (pragmata) - "things," "matters," "deeds." Refers to the matters or cases being considered. Festus means that in these matters concerning Paul, there are no charges against him that warrant death.
• αἰτιάσασθαι (aitiasasthai) - "to accuse," "to charge." It's the infinitive form, suggesting the act of bringing a charge. Festus explains that he found no grounds to accuse Paul of anything deserving death.
• ὡς (hos) - "as," "like." Used for comparison or to indicate manner.
• ἀξίαν (axian) - "worthy," "deserving." Agrees with "θανάτου" (thanatou - "of death").
• θανάτου (thanatou) - "of death." Genitive case, indicating that the preceding "offense" or "act" was deserving of death.
• ἔργον (ergon) - "work," "deed," "act." Here, referring to an act or a course of conduct. Festus has not found any deed done by Paul that was worthy of death.

Group Analysis:

• "ἀλλ’ (all') εἰ (ei) μὲν (men) καὶ (kai) αὐτός (autos) ἀνὴρ (aner) ὥστ’ (host') ἀποθανεῖν (apothanein) ἀνασκοπεῖν (anaskopein)..." - This section translates to "But if indeed he himself, a man deserving death, [something] to investigate..." This phrase implies that if Paul were found to be deserving of death, then there would be something substantive to investigate for execution. However, the verse clearly states the opposite is found.
• "εἶχον (eichon) ἀνασκοπεῖν (anaskopein)" - The Greek for "to examine" or "to inquire into." This relates to the process of judicial review. Festus had no grounds for a thorough investigation leading to a death sentence.
• "μὴ (me) ἐστιν (estin) ἐν (en) τῷ (to) ἀνθρώπῳ (anthropō)" - This refers to "nothing deserving of death in the man." It signifies a complete lack of culpability for a capital offense.
• "κατηγορίαν (kategorian) θανάτου (thanatou) πράγματα (pragmata) ἔχοντα (echonta)" - "charges of death matters having." This describes a situation where the specific charges leveled against Paul did not rise to the level that would warrant a death sentence under Roman law.

Acts 25 21 Bonus Section

The appeal to Caesar (in this case, Emperor Nero) was a fundamental right of Roman citizens under Roman law. This right, enshrined in the Twelve Tables, protected individuals from potential local injustice and ensured a trial under the highest authority. Paul, as a Roman citizen, correctly invoked this right. His appeal shifted the jurisdiction from provincial courts to the imperial court in Rome, which explains why he was sent there despite the local authorities finding no wrongdoing. This appeal, though prolonging his confinement, ultimately led him to Rome, where he ministered freely for two years and wrote significant portions of his epistles, fulfilling God’s broader plan for the spread of the Gospel. King Agrippa's assessment aligns with the prophetic statement by Jesus in Acts 26:32, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

Acts 25 21 Commentary

Festus, faced with an indecisive Jewish Sanhedrin and an insistent Paul, finds himself in a difficult position. He has examined the accusations and found no substance that warrants capital punishment. However, Paul’s appeal to Caesar prevents Festus from simply releasing him. This leaves Paul in a state of legal limbo, still a prisoner but awaiting a higher judgment. The verse underscores the Roman legal principle of ensuring guilt is proven before sentencing and highlights the authority of the Caesar as the ultimate judicial arbiter in the empire. It also reflects a pragmatic approach by Agrippa and Festus, who prefer to avoid decisive action on a case they deem lacking in merit.