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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they were gone aside {G402}, they talked {G2980} between {G4314} themselves {G240}, saying {G3004},{G3754} This {G3778} man {G444} doeth {G4238} nothing {G3762} worthy {G514} of death {G2288} or {G2228} of bonds {G1199}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After they had left, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing that deserves either death or prison.”

Berean Standard Bible

On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”

American Standard Version

and when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 26:31 captures the private deliberation of King Agrippa II, Governor Festus, and their entourage following Paul's compelling defense, culminating in their unanimous conclusion that Paul was innocent of any crime warranting death or imprisonment. This verdict, though not leading to his immediate release due to his appeal to Caesar, served as a significant official vindication of Paul's character and mission, highlighting the absence of any legitimate legal grounds for the accusations brought against him by his Jewish opponents.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's profound and Spirit-empowered defense before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus, as recorded in [Acts 26:1-29](/acts/26-1-29 "Acts 26:1-29 - Paul's Defense Before Agrippa"). Paul had recounted his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and his subsequent commission to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. His testimony was so powerful that it moved Agrippa to exclaim, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" ([Acts 26:28](/acts/26-28 "Acts 26:28 - Agrippa's Response to Paul")). The entire hearing was convened by Festus to clarify the charges against Paul, as he was obligated to send a clear report to Caesar after Paul had appealed his case to Rome, as mentioned in [Acts 25:12](/acts/25-12 "Acts 25:12 - Paul Appeals to Caesar"). The private discussion in Acts 26:31 is the direct outcome of this legal and spiritual encounter, demonstrating the impact of Paul's witness on the highest Roman authorities in the region.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Caesarea Maritima, the Roman administrative capital of Judea, where Paul had been imprisoned for two years under Felix and now Festus ([Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Paul's Imprisonment Under Felix")). Roman legal procedure allowed for such private consultations among judges or officials to reach a consensus, especially in complex cases or those involving political sensitivities. King Agrippa II, a Jewish client king, and Bernice, his sister, were well-versed in Jewish customs and the nuances of the Jewish law, making their judgment particularly significant in evaluating the Jewish accusations against Paul. Governor Festus, as the Roman procurator, was primarily concerned with maintaining Roman order and ensuring due process. The Jewish leaders' persistent accusations of sedition and profaning the temple ([Acts 24:5-6](/acts/24-5-6 "Acts 24:5-6 - Jewish Accusations Against Paul")) were serious under Roman law, potentially warranting capital punishment, making the officials' declaration of Paul's innocence a profound statement.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 26:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Paul's innocence and divine vindication**. Despite relentless persecution and false accusations from Jewish leaders, Roman authorities consistently found no legitimate legal basis for condemning Paul, echoing earlier assessments by Festus in [Acts 25:25](/acts/25-25 "Acts 25:25 - Festus's Assessment of Paul") and even Pilate's repeated declarations concerning Jesus's innocence ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault")). Secondly, it highlights **God's providential hand** in protecting His servant and advancing His kingdom purposes. This declaration of innocence, though not leading to immediate freedom, was a crucial step in God's plan to bring Paul to Rome to testify before Caesar, fulfilling the Lord's promise to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Promise to Paul")). Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the **power of the Gospel testimony** to impact even hardened or politically motivated hearts, demonstrating that truth, when spoken boldly and clearly, can resonate and lead to unexpected outcomes, even if not immediate conversion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **worthy (Greek, _áxios'_):** From G514, meaning "deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)." This term signifies a legal judgment of merit or desert. In this context, it means Paul's actions did not "deserve" or "merit" the severe punishments of death or imprisonment under Roman law. It's a declaration of legal non-culpability.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** From G2288, referring to "death (literally or figuratively)." Here, it specifically denotes capital punishment, the ultimate penalty under Roman law for crimes like treason or sedition, which Paul was falsely accused of.
* **bonds (Greek, _desmón'_):** From G1199, meaning "a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability." In this context, it refers to imprisonment or chains, signifying the deprivation of liberty as a legal punishment. The officials concluded Paul's actions did not merit even continued incarceration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were gone aside":** This phrase indicates a private withdrawal of the officials (Agrippa, Festus, Bernice, and their advisors) from the public hearing. This was a standard legal practice, allowing for candid discussion and the formation of a consensus without the pressure of the accused or the public. It underscores the seriousness and formality of their deliberation.
* **"they talked between themselves, saying":** This reveals the nature of their private discussion. They were not merely observing but actively conversing and evaluating Paul's case. The subsequent statement is the collective conclusion reached through this deliberation, highlighting a unanimous agreement among these diverse and powerful figures.
* **"This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds":** This is the pivotal declaration, the unanimous verdict. It's a clear and unequivocal legal judgment. "This man" (Paul) is declared innocent of any crime that would warrant capital punishment ("death") or continued imprisonment ("bonds"). This statement legally vindicates Paul, confirming that the charges against him were unfounded from a Roman legal perspective.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Irony** is prominent, as Paul, a prisoner accused of serious crimes, is declared innocent by the very authorities holding him captive. This highlights the unjust nature of his imprisonment and the baselessness of his accusers' claims. There is also a strong element of **Vindication**, as the highest secular powers confirm Paul's blamelessness, affirming the righteousness of his conduct and the truth of his Gospel message. Furthermore, the scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at God's larger plan for Paul. Although declared innocent, Paul remains a prisoner due to his appeal to Caesar, setting the stage for his journey to Rome, which is central to the book's narrative arc and the spread of the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:31 serves as a powerful testament to divine providence and the enduring truth of the Gospel. The unanimous declaration of Paul's innocence by Roman authorities, despite the intense pressure from his Jewish accusers, underscores God's sovereign hand in protecting His servant and validating his mission. This legal vindication, though not immediately leading to Paul's freedom, was crucial for his journey to Rome, transforming his imprisonment into an opportunity for further witness. It illustrates that even secular powers can be moved by truth and used by God to advance His kingdom purposes, demonstrating that no human opposition can ultimately thwart God's will. The consistent finding of Paul's innocence across multiple Roman officials (Festus, Agrippa, and even earlier, Gallio in [Acts 18:12-17](/acts/18-12-17 "Acts 18:12-17 - Gallio Dismisses Charges Against Paul")) reinforces the legitimacy of his apostolic ministry and the non-seditious nature of Christianity.

* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Promise to Paul"): The Lord had told Paul, "Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." This verse shows God's faithfulness in bringing Paul closer to Rome, even through imprisonment.
* [Acts 25:25](/acts/25-25 "Acts 25:25 - Festus's Assessment of Paul"): Festus had already stated, "I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death." This reiterates the consistent Roman legal assessment of Paul's innocence.
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel"): Paul himself later testifies that his "bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places," and that his imprisonment had actually "fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 26:31 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating a world often hostile to the Gospel. Paul's experience reminds us that even when facing unjust accusations, misunderstanding, or legal challenges, God remains sovereign and can use unexpected means to protect His people and advance His purposes. Our integrity and faithful witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can resonate even with those in positions of authority, sometimes leading to vindication or opportunities for the Gospel to be heard in new spheres. This verse calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or contrary to our desires for immediate freedom or resolution. It teaches us that God's ultimate goal is not necessarily our comfort, but the spread of His truth, and He can transform our trials into platforms for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's calm and reasoned defense, leading to this verdict, challenge me to articulate my faith with both conviction and clarity in difficult situations?**
* **In what ways can I recognize God's providential hand at work in my own life, even when circumstances seem unjust or beyond my control?**
* **What does Paul's consistent vindication by Roman authorities teach me about the importance of living a life of integrity as a witness for Christ?**
* **How can I pray for those in positions of authority, that they might discern truth and act justly, even when it is unpopular or goes against prevailing narratives?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul still imprisoned if he was declared innocent?**

Answer: Paul remained imprisoned because he had already exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case directly to Caesar in Rome, as recorded in [Acts 25:11-12](/acts/25-11-12 "Acts 25:11-12 - Paul Appeals to Caesar"). Once an appeal to Caesar was made, it superseded any local verdict or desire to release the prisoner. Even though Agrippa and Festus found him innocent of any crime worthy of death or bonds, they could not simply release him without Caesar's review of the appeal. Their conclusion in [Acts 26:31](/acts/26-31 "Acts 26:31 - Paul Declared Innocent") was crucial for the report they would send to Caesar, stating that Paul was not guilty of any capital offense, which would likely influence Caesar's final judgment.

**What was King Agrippa's specific role in this judgment?**

Answer: King Agrippa II, along with Bernice, was invited by Governor Festus to hear Paul's case because Festus was unsure how to frame the charges for Caesar, given the complex Jewish legal and religious accusations against Paul ([Acts 25:26-27](/acts/25-26-27 "Acts 25:26-27 - Festus's Dilemma Regarding Paul's Case")). As a Jewish client king, Agrippa had a deep understanding of Jewish customs, laws, and the various sects (like the Pharisees, which Paul had been a part of). His expertise was invaluable in assessing the true nature of the charges brought by Paul's Jewish accusers. His agreement with Festus's assessment of Paul's innocence provided a strong, informed endorsement of the verdict, adding significant weight to the report sent to Rome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:31, while directly about Paul's legal vindication, profoundly points to Christ in its theological implications. Paul's unjust suffering and subsequent declaration of innocence by secular authorities foreshadow the ultimate vindication of Jesus Christ. Though innocent of any sin, Jesus was condemned to death by both Jewish and Roman authorities, a stark contrast to Paul's outcome here. Yet, through His resurrection, God powerfully vindicated Jesus, declaring Him Lord and Christ ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus's Lordship")). Paul's "bonds" for the sake of the Gospel parallel Christ's suffering, which ultimately led to the world's redemption. Furthermore, just as Paul's innocence was declared, believers in Christ are declared righteous, not by their own merit, but by faith in the One who bore the penalty for their unworthiness ([Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - Justification by Grace Through Faith")). Our freedom from the "bonds" of sin and the "death" it brings is found solely in the finished work of Christ, who truly "doeth nothing worthy of death" but gives life to all who believe ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Life Abundantly") and [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Paul's journey to Rome, though in chains, was part of God's plan to spread the Gospel, just as Christ's journey to the cross, though seemingly a defeat, was God's ultimate victory for humanity.

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 23:29

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

Acts 23:9

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

Acts 28:18

Who, when they had examined me, would have let [me] go, because there was no cause of death in me.

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

2 Samuel 24:17

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.