FocusPaul appeals to Caesar
Connection to the wholeRenewed accusations and a proposed Jerusalem hearing lead Paul to exercise his appeal, redirecting the legal path toward Rome.
interpretation Acts 25:8
KJVWhile he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
Read it in context
Paul's Trial Before Festus and Appeal to Caesar
Start reading at Acts 25:1 (Acts 25:1 to Acts 25:27).
This unit describes Festus's arrival, the Jews' accusations against Paul, Paul's defense, his appeal to Caesar, and the subsequent arrangements for him to speak before King Agrippa.
- 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
- 25:2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
- 25:3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
- 25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
- 25:5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
- 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
- 25:7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
- 25:8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
- 25:9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
- 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
- 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
- 25:12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
- 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
- 25:14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
- 25:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
- 25:16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
- 25:17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
- 25:18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
- 25:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
- 25:20 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.
- 25:21 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.
- 25:22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
- 25:23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
- 25:24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
- 25:25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
- 25:26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
- 25:27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 25:1–25:27): Paul answers Jewish accusers before Festus and appeals to Caesar. Festus later presents his case to Agrippa and Bernice with assembled officials. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme in this passage? Paul's defense before Festus, where he declares his innocence against charges concerning the Jewish law, the temple, and Caesar, leading to his appeal to Caesar.
- What is God revealing in this passage? God is revealing His protection over Paul and the truth of Paul's innocence, demonstrating that the accusations against him are unfounded, thereby allowing the gospel to continue its spread even through legal processes.
- What is the literary style of the book of Acts? Narrative history.
When
- When was the book of Acts written? Approximately A.D. 62 to 64.
- When do the events described in this passage take place? The events occur within the broader period of c. A.D. 30 to 62, specifically after Felix's governorship and before Paul's journey to Rome.
Where
- Where did the events in this passage happen? In Caesarea, specifically at the judgment seat where Festus presided.
- Where was the author located when writing the book of Acts? Rome.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Trial Before Festus and Appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:1 to Acts 25:27). Start reading at Acts 25:1. This unit describes Festus's arrival, the Jews' accusations against Paul, Paul's defense, his appeal to Caesar, and the subsequent arrangements for him to speak before King Agrippa.
How
- How does this passage fit the broader context of Acts? This passage continues Paul's series of trials and defenses, demonstrating his commitment to spreading the gospel even while imprisoned. His appeal to Caesar marks a significant turning point, setting the stage for his journey to Rome, which is the ultimate destination of the book. interpretation
- How does this passage point to Christ? Paul's unjust accusations and steadfast defense of his innocence, despite facing powerful adversaries and political maneuvering, mirrors Christ's own trials and innocent suffering before earthly authorities, where He was found without fault yet condemned. interpretation
- How can I apply this passage today? Believers today should strive to live blameless lives, upholding truth and integrity, even when facing false accusations or opposition. We should be prepared to defend our faith and actions, trusting in God's ultimate vindication and purpose, just as Paul did. interpretation
Cited: Acts 25:1, Acts 25:4, Acts 25:6, Acts 25:7, Acts 25:8, Acts 25:10, Acts 25:11, Acts 25:12, Acts 25:14, Acts 25:18, Acts 25:19, Acts 25:21, Acts 25:25
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts.
Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- Neither Acts 25:10 Acts 6:13-14 Acts 23:1 Acts 24:6,12,17-21 Acts 28:17,21 Gen 40:15 Jer 37:18 Dan 6:22
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
- AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension. - About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 25
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
Agrippa hears about the case
Acts 25:13–27FocusA hearing prepared
Connection to the wholeFestus explains his uncertainty over the charges, and Agrippa's arrival sets the stage for Paul's fuller testimony in chapter 26.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The promised power and the Jerusalem church
Acts 1:1–2:47FocusWitness begins
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
interpretation Witness and opposition in Jerusalem
Acts 3:1–7:60FocusBoldness, order, and rejection
Connection to the wholePublic testimony and growth are accompanied by internal needs and increasing opposition, culminating in Stephen's death.
interpretation The witness moves outward
Acts 8:1–12:25FocusSamaria, Saul, and Gentile hearers
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
interpretation Mission and the Gentile question
Acts 13:1–15:35FocusChurches established and the council
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
interpretation Further journeys and growing churches
Acts 15:36–21:16FocusStrengthening and expanding witness
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
interpretation FocusTestimony through imprisonment
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.