Acts 25:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if {G1487}{G3303} I be an offender {G91}, or {G2532} have committed {G4238} any thing {G5100} worthy {G514} of death {G2288}, I refuse {G3868} not {G3756} to die {G599}: but {G1161} if {G1487} there be {G2076} none {G3762} of these things {G3739} whereof these {G3778} accuse {G2723} me {G3450}, no man {G3762} may {G1410} deliver {G5483} me {G3165} unto them {G846}. I appeal unto {G1941} Caesar {G2541}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If I am a wrongdoer, if I have done something for which I deserve to die, then I am ready to die. But if there is nothing to these charges which they are bringing against me, no one can give me to them just to grant a favor! I appeal to the Emperor!”

Berean Standard Bible

If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

American Standard Version

If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if none of those things is true whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:11 presents the Apostle Paul's resolute declaration before Governor Festus, where he asserts his innocence against capital charges and, crucially, invokes his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case directly to Emperor Caesar. This pivotal statement not only underscores Paul's unwavering integrity and strategic acumen in navigating the Roman legal system but also serves as a divinely orchestrated step towards fulfilling his mission to bear witness to Christ in Rome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a climactic moment within Paul's extended legal proceedings, which began in Jerusalem and continued in Caesarea. Following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent transfer to Caesarea under Governor Felix, Paul's case is inherited by the new governor, Festus. The Jewish leaders, still intent on Paul's demise, press Festus to transfer Paul to Jerusalem, where they plan an ambush ([Acts 25:3](/acts/25-3 "Jewish Plot Against Paul")). Festus, seeking to curry favor with the Jews, asks Paul if he would agree to a trial in Jerusalem. Paul, fully aware of the danger and having already declared his innocence of any offense against Jewish law, the Temple, or Caesar ([Acts 25:8](/acts/25-8 "Paul's Defense Before Festus")), firmly rejects this proposition. His appeal to Caesar in [Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Paul Appeals to Caesar") is the decisive response to Festus's politically motivated suggestion, effectively bypassing the provincial court and setting the stage for his journey to Rome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's declaration, "I appeal unto Caesar," invokes a fundamental right of Roman citizenship known as *provocatio ad Caesarem*. This privilege allowed any Roman citizen accused of a capital crime to appeal a provincial governor's judgment directly to the Emperor in Rome, thereby transferring the jurisdiction of the case to the imperial court. This right was a safeguard against arbitrary or politically motivated rulings by provincial authorities, ensuring that citizens received a fair trial under the highest legal authority of the empire. For a Roman governor like Festus, respecting this appeal was not optional; it was a legal obligation. Caesarea Maritima, where these events transpired, was the Roman administrative capital of Judea, making it a fitting location for such legal proceedings within the Roman provincial system.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Paul's Appeal to Caesar") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Paul's unwavering courage and integrity** in the face of persistent, false accusations and life-threatening plots. His willingness to die if truly guilty, yet his refusal to be unjustly condemned, speaks volumes about his character and conviction. Secondly, the verse powerfully demonstrates **divine providence and God's sovereign plan** for the spread of the gospel. Earlier, the Lord had assured Paul that he "must bear witness also at Rome" ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). Paul's legal appeal, though a human decision, becomes the very means by which this divine promise is fulfilled, ensuring his journey to the heart of the Roman Empire to proclaim Christ. Lastly, it exposes the **tension between justice and political expediency**, as Festus's desire to appease the Jewish leaders is met by Paul's insistence on impartial justice, forcing the governor's hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **offender (Greek, _adikéō'_):** From G91, meaning "to be unjust, i.e. (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)." Paul uses this term to directly address the core of the accusations against him, asserting that he has committed no injustice or wrongdoing that would warrant the charges, particularly those punishable by death. His willingness to accept death if he were truly an *adikéō* underscores his profound confidence in his innocence and the righteousness of his cause.
* **refuse (Greek, _paraitéomai'_):** From G3868, meaning "to beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun." When Paul states, "I refuse not to die," he employs a powerful rhetorical device (litotes, a double negative) to emphasize his readiness to face the ultimate penalty if his actions truly merited it. This is not a casual statement but a solemn declaration that he would not shrink from death if found genuinely guilty, demonstrating his integrity and lack of fear.
* **appeal unto (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** From G1941, meaning "to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)." This word precisely captures the legal act of formally calling upon a higher authority. In this context, Paul is not merely pleading but formally invoking his right as a Roman citizen to have his case heard by the highest judicial authority in the empire, Caesar himself. It signifies a decisive legal maneuver that immediately transfers jurisdiction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die:":** Paul begins with a conditional statement, directly confronting the gravest accusations against him. He acknowledges the possibility of being an "offender" (one who has done wrong) or having committed a capital crime. However, his subsequent declaration, "I refuse not to die," powerfully asserts his readiness to accept the ultimate consequence if these charges were true. This highlights his conviction of innocence; he is not afraid of death if he truly deserved it, but he will not accept an unjust condemnation.
* **"but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them.":** This clause presents the counter-condition, emphasizing Paul's actual situation: the absence of any legitimate grounds for the accusations. The phrase "no man may deliver me unto them" is a strong assertion of his rights and a direct challenge to Festus's authority to hand him over to his accusers (the Jewish leaders) for politically motivated reasons. It underscores that without proven guilt, he cannot be unjustly surrendered.
* **"I appeal unto Caesar.":** This final, concise statement is the legal and narrative climax of the verse. It is Paul's formal invocation of his right as a Roman citizen (*provocatio ad Caesarem*), immediately transferring his case from the provincial court to the imperial court in Rome. This strategic move bypasses Festus's political maneuvering and ensures Paul's safety from the Jewish plot, setting him on the path to fulfill God's purpose for him in Rome.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Rhetoric** and **Argumentation**. Paul constructs a clear, logical argument based on two contrasting conditional clauses ("if I be an offender" vs. "if there be none of these things"), leading to a decisive conclusion. This demonstrates his sharp legal mind and his ability to articulate his defense. The use of **Litotes** ("I refuse not to die") creates emphasis through a double negative, highlighting Paul's unwavering courage and integrity. Furthermore, the entire statement functions as a powerful **Assertion** of Paul's rights and innocence, leaving no room for ambiguity. The narrative also carries a strong sense of **Divine Irony** and **Foreshadowing**, as Paul's appeal, a seemingly human legal action, becomes the very means by which God's prior promise to him about testifying in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Assurance to Paul")) is set into motion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:11 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of righteous individuals facing unjust persecution and trusting in God's sovereign hand. Paul's willingness to die if guilty, yet his refusal to be unjustly condemned, mirrors the integrity and steadfastness expected of believers. His strategic use of Roman law to advance God's purposes demonstrates that divine providence often works through human systems and decisions. This passage underscores the truth that even in the midst of trials and political machinations, God remains in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive plan and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

* [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [1 Peter 3:14](/1_peter/3-14 "Suffering for Righteousness' Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in Acts 25:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His unwavering commitment to truth and justice, even when facing the threat of death, challenges us to examine our own integrity and courage in the face of adversity. Are we willing to stand firm for what is right, even when it is costly? Paul's strategic use of his Roman citizenship reminds us that believers are called to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves")), engaging with the systems of the world not for personal gain, but for the advancement of God's kingdom and the defense of truth. Ultimately, this passage calls us to a deeper trust in God's sovereignty. Paul's appeal, a human decision, was divinely guided to fulfill God's promise of taking the gospel to Rome. Similarly, we can trust that God is at work in our lives, even in our trials and uncertainties, orchestrating circumstances for His glory and the fulfillment of His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's willingness to "refuse not to die" challenge my own commitment to truth and integrity in difficult situations?**
* **In what ways can I, like Paul, wisely and ethically utilize the systems and structures of my society to advocate for justice or advance gospel purposes?**
* **How does seeing God's sovereign hand in Paul's appeal strengthen my trust in His plan for my own life, especially amidst trials or seemingly unjust circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What was the "appeal unto Caesar" and why was it so significant?**

Answer: The "appeal unto Caesar" (Latin: *provocatio ad Caesarem*) was a fundamental legal right for Roman citizens, particularly those accused of capital crimes. It allowed a citizen to transfer their case from a provincial governor's court directly to the Emperor's court in Rome. Its significance lay in its ability to bypass potentially corrupt or politically motivated local judgments, ensuring that a citizen's case would be heard by the highest legal authority in the Roman Empire. For Paul, it was significant because it protected him from the Jewish leaders' plot to assassinate him in Jerusalem and legally compelled Festus to send him to Rome, fulfilling God's prior promise that Paul would bear witness there ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Assurance to Paul")).

**Why didn't Festus simply release Paul if he found him innocent?**

Answer: While Festus likely recognized Paul's innocence of any capital crime, he was also a new governor seeking to establish good relations with the influential Jewish leaders in Judea. Releasing Paul outright would have alienated them, especially given their persistent and vehement accusations. Festus's suggestion of a trial in Jerusalem ([Acts 25:9](/acts/25-9 "Festus Proposes Jerusalem Trial")) was a political maneuver to appease the Jews, even though he knew it was dangerous for Paul. Paul's appeal to Caesar forced Festus's hand, removing the political dilemma from his jurisdiction and compelling him to send Paul to Rome, thereby avoiding a direct confrontation with the Jewish leaders while still adhering to Roman law.

**Was Paul's appeal to Caesar a sign of a lack of faith in God's protection?**

Answer: No, Paul's appeal was not a sign of a lack of faith, but rather an example of Spirit-led wisdom and strategic engagement with the world's systems. Paul consistently demonstrated profound trust in God's protection and providence throughout his ministry. However, he also wisely utilized every legitimate means available to him as a Roman citizen to defend himself and advance the gospel. God often works through human decisions and actions. In this instance, Paul's legal appeal was the precise means by which God orchestrated his journey to Rome, fulfilling the divine promise given to him in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Assurance to Paul"). It shows a harmonious blend of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:11, though focused on Paul's legal defense, profoundly points to Christ in its underlying themes. Paul's willingness to face death if found guilty, yet his firm refusal to be unjustly condemned, echoes the ultimate sacrifice and perfect innocence of Jesus Christ. Christ, "who knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ, Who Knew No Sin")), willingly submitted to an unjust trial and crucifixion, laying down His life for the sins of the world. Paul's appeal to Caesar, the highest earthly authority, foreshadows the ultimate appeal to God the Father, the supreme Judge, through the advocacy of Christ, our "one mediator between God and men" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "One Mediator, Christ Jesus")). Moreover, Paul's journey to Rome, compelled by his appeal, directly fulfills God's promise to him ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Assurance to Paul")) to bear witness in the heart of the Gentile world. This mission, carried out even through imprisonment and trial, is a direct continuation of Christ's Great Commission to His disciples to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")). Paul's suffering and legal battles serve as a powerful testament to the unstoppable advance of the gospel, mirroring Christ's victory over sin and death, which ensures that His kingdom will ultimately prevail over all earthly powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 28:19

But when the Jews spake against [it], I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

Acts 26:32

Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

Acts 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.

Psalms 7:3

O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;

Psalms 7:5

Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it]; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

Acts 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.

1 Samuel 27:1

¶ And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: [there is] nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.