Acts 26:31

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

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}.

After they had left, they said to one another, โ€œThis man is doing nothing that deserves either death or prison.โ€

On their way out, they said to one another, โ€œThis man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.โ€

and when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Commentary

Context of Acts 26:31

This verse immediately follows Apostle Paul's powerful and eloquent defense before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus in Caesarea. Paul had just concluded his compelling defense before King Agrippa II and Governor Festus, recounting his conversion experience on the road to Damascus and his subsequent apostolic mission. The setting was a formal hearing designed to clarify Paul's legal status before sending him to Caesar in Rome, as he had appealed his case. After Paul's testimony, the rulers and their company withdrew to privately discuss the matter and reach a consensus on Paul's alleged crimes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Paul's Vindication and Innocence: The most immediate message of this verse is the unanimous verdict from the Roman authorities that Paul was innocent of any crime worthy of death or imprisonment. Despite the accusations brought by the Jewish leaders, Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice could find no legal basis for his continued detention or capital punishment. This echoes Festus's earlier assessment in Acts 25:25.
  • The Power of Truthful Testimony: Paul's clear, logical, and Spirit-empowered defense, rooted in his personal experience and commitment to the Gospel, was so compelling that it swayed even these secular and politically motivated leaders. It demonstrates that truth, when plainly spoken, can resonate even in hostile environments.
  • Divine Providence: This verse highlights God's providential care over Paul. Even though he remained a prisoner, this official declaration of his innocence by high-ranking Roman officials was a crucial step in God's plan to bring Paul to Rome to testify for Christ before Caesar, as promised in Acts 23:11.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "worthy of death or of bonds" (Greek: thanatou ฤ“ desmลn axios) is a clear legal declaration. Thanatou refers to capital punishment, while desmลn signifies imprisonment or chains. The term axios means "worthy" or "deserving." This straightforward language indicates that, in their legal judgment, Paul had committed no offense that merited either execution or continued incarceration under Roman law. Their conclusion was a legal acquittal, though Paul's appeal to Caesar meant he would still be sent to Rome.

Practical Application

Acts 26:31 offers several encouraging insights for believers today:

  • Speaking Truth to Power: Paul's example encourages us to be bold and articulate in sharing our faith and defending our convictions, even when facing opposition or scrutiny from authorities. A clear conscience and reliance on God's Spirit can make our testimony impactful.
  • God's Protection and Purpose: Even when facing unjust accusations or difficult circumstances, God remains in control. He can use secular systems and individuals to protect His servants and advance His divine purposes. This divine oversight ultimately paved the way for Paul's journey to Rome, fulfilling prophecy and spreading the Gospel.
  • Integrity as a Witness: Paul's life and testimony were consistent, leading even his accusers to acknowledge his legal innocence. Living a life of integrity, consistent with the Gospel we proclaim, serves as a powerful witness to the truth of Christ.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.
โ† Back