Acts 26 31

Acts 26:31 kjv

And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Acts 26:31 nkjv

and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains."

Acts 26:31 niv

After they left the room, they began saying to one another, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."

Acts 26:31 esv

And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, "This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment."

Acts 26:31 nlt

As they went out, they talked it over and agreed, "This man hasn't done anything to deserve death or imprisonment."

Acts 26 verses

Acts 26 31 Meaning

King Agrippa and Governor Festus, along with Bernice and the other officials present, concluded that Paul, who was speaking before them, was not worthy of death or imprisonment. This was due to his compelling defense, which did not exhibit any evidence of actions deserving of such severe penalties, based on their earthly legal and political understanding.

Acts 26 31 Context

This verse concludes Paul's eloquent defense before King Agrippa II, Bernice, Festus the Roman governor, and other dignitaries in Caesarea. Paul has meticulously recounted his life and conversion to Christianity, highlighting his commission from Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He has effectively addressed the accusations of sedition and impiety brought against him by the Jewish leaders. His speech is so persuasive that Festus, an unlearned Roman, exclaims, "You are beside yourself, Paul! Much learning is turning your mind." This reaction from Festus, the presiding official, and the concluding statement of Agrippa, reflect the failure of worldly wisdom and legal systems to comprehend or condemn the truth of the Gospel, as presented by Paul. Agrippa's statement that Paul could have been released, were it not for his appeal to Caesar, underscores the political and legal circumstances surrounding Paul's situation, but also signifies that based on the evidence presented, his life was not forfeit under Roman law.

Acts 26 31 Word Analysis

• ἀποστολήν (apostolēn): Accusative singular of ἀποστολή (apostolē), meaning "a sending away," "a mission," or "a sending forth." In this context, it refers to the commission or charge given by Christ to Paul to preach the Gospel. This word emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of Paul's ministry. It connects to the concept of apostleship established in the New Testament, signifying someone sent on a mission by a higher authority.

• ἀναιρέσεως (anairesēōs): Genitive singular of ἀναίρεσις (anairesis), meaning "a killing," "a destruction," or "a putting to death." Here, it refers to a penalty deserving death. Agrippa and Festus are assessing if Paul's actions merit capital punishment under Roman law.

• δεομένην (deomenēn): Accusative singular feminine participle of δέομαι (deomai), meaning "to ask," "to entreat," or "to need." Used here to describe Paul, it signifies "that which needs" or "that which deserves." Combined with "anairesēōs," it forms a phrase indicating actions deserving death.

• παρεμυθεῖτο (paremutheito): Imperfect indicative middle/passive of παρμυθέομαι (paramutheomai), meaning "to console," "to comfort," or "to persuade." In the context of Paul's defense, it conveys that Paul was presenting arguments in a way that was not just factual but also aimed at mitigating the accusations and, in a sense, persuading them. It highlights the suasive, yet rational, nature of his speech. The imperfect tense suggests an ongoing action within the speech, emphasizing the process of his persuasive argument.

• ὅλως (holōs): Adverb meaning "altogether," "entirely," or "in any way." This word intensifies the negation. It means that there was not altogether or in any way any fault found in Paul that merited death. It leaves no room for doubt regarding their judgment that he was not guilty of capital offenses.

• φαίνεται (phainetai): Present indicative passive of φαίνω (phainō), meaning "to appear," "to seem," or "to shine." It signifies what is evident or visible. Their judgment was based on what appeared to be the case according to their observation and legal framework.

• βασιλεῦ (basileu): Vocative singular of βασιλεύς (basileus), meaning "king." This is King Agrippa. The use of the vocative shows direct address and respect towards the king, reinforcing the formal setting of the hearing.

• σέ (se): Accusative singular of σύ (su), meaning "you." Festus directly addresses King Agrippa.

• ἑνὶ (heni): Dative singular masculine of εἷς (heis), meaning "one." Festus states that Paul would have been released "if he had not appealed to Caesar." This indicates a single, decisive action (the appeal) that prevented his release by them.

• Καίσαρι (Kaisari): Dative singular of Καῖσαρ (Kaisar), meaning "Caesar." This refers to the Roman Emperor. The appeal to Caesar meant that Paul's case had to be heard directly by the Emperor or his appointed officials, thus removing it from the jurisdiction of Festus and Agrippa.

• παρεδίδου (paredidou): Imperfect indicative active of παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi), meaning "to deliver up," "to hand over," or "to commit." Festus is saying that Paul would not have been handed over for judgment by them had he not invoked his right to appeal to Caesar.

Acts 26 31 Bonus Section

The dialogue between Festus and Agrippa here demonstrates a fascinating overlap of Jewish religious claims and Roman legal jurisdiction. While Festus represents the might of Rome, he is still bound to understand and react to the Jewish "controversies" mentioned by Paul earlier (Acts 26:3). Agrippa, a Jewish client king under Roman rule, bridges these two worlds. His agreement with Festus underscores that even a ruler familiar with Jewish customs could find no legal fault in Paul. This reinforces the divine affirmation of Paul's mission, which was often misunderstood and opposed by both Jewish and Gentile authorities. The mention of appealing to Caesar is a key plot point, showing how Paul, through the circumstances and his legal rights, was being delivered to Rome, fulfilling God's plan for him to bear witness there (Acts 23:11). The episode serves as a powerful testament to how God uses even the machinations of human government and legal systems to advance His purposes.

Acts 26 31 Commentary

This verse encapsulates the critical moment where earthly authority acknowledges, albeit from their limited perspective, the blamelessness of Paul in their judicial system. Festus, speaking on behalf of the Roman administration and in agreement with Agrippa's perception, declares that Paul has committed no offense worthy of death. This outcome is remarkable given the vehement accusations from the Jewish Sanhedrin and the political sensitivities of the time. Paul's impeccable conduct and articulate defense, empowered by the Holy Spirit (as per Luke 21:14-15), render him innocent in the eyes of Roman law and worldly judgment. However, his ultimate fate hinges not on their assessment of his guilt, but on his sovereign appeal to Caesar, demonstrating the intersection of divine providence and human legal processes. The inability of human rulers and wisdom to condemn Paul highlights the unique nature of his witness for Christ, who himself faced unjust condemnation. The verse subtly points to a higher truth and judgment that transcends earthly courts.