Acts 28:18

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

Who {G3748}, when they had examined {G350} me {G3165}, would {G1014} have let me go {G630}, because {G1223} there was {G5225} no {G3367} cause {G156} of death {G2288} in {G1722} me {G1698}.

They examined me and were ready to release me, because I had done nothing to justify a death sentence.

They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.

who, when they had examined me, desired to set me at liberty, because there was no cause of death in me.

Acts 28:18 (KJV) continues Paul's explanation to the Jewish leaders in Rome regarding the circumstances that led to his arrival. Having been brought from Jerusalem to Caesarea, he had undergone a series of legal proceedings before various Roman officials.

Context

This verse refers back to Paul's previous trials in Judea, specifically before governors Felix and Festus, and King Agrippa II. Despite intense accusations from the Jewish authorities, each Roman official who examined Paul found him innocent of any capital crime. The phrase "when they had examined me" points to these thorough investigations. Paul's appeal to Caesar, mentioned in Acts 25:11, was not an admission of guilt but a strategic move to ensure his message reached Rome, circumventing the plots of his accusers in Judea.

Key Themes

  • Paul's Proven Innocence: The core message is that Paul was legally cleared of any charges warranting death. The Roman judicial system, though often flawed, repeatedly confirmed that he had committed "no cause of death." This is echoed in Festus's declaration in Acts 25:25 and Agrippa's agreement in Acts 26:31.
  • Divine Protection and Providence: Despite being falsely accused and imprisoned for years, Paul's life was preserved. God used the very legal system that held him captive to protect him from summary execution by his adversaries and to facilitate his journey to Rome, fulfilling His divine purpose for Paul to preach the Gospel there (cf. Acts 23:11).
  • The Nature of the Accusations: Paul's "crime" was not rebellion against Rome or any civil offense, but rather his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah and the resurrection from the dead, which was perceived as heresy or sedition by some Jewish leaders.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "no cause of death" translates the Greek ouk aitia thanatou (οὐκ αἰτία θανάτου). Aitia (αἰτία) means "cause, reason, charge, accusation." Thanatou (θανάτου) refers to "death." Together, it signifies that there was no legal ground or justifiable charge that would warrant a death sentence against Paul. This highlights the legal precision of the Roman courts in their findings.

Practical Application

Paul's experience reminds believers that even when facing false accusations or injustice, God can work through difficult circumstances to advance His purposes. It encourages perseverance and trust in divine sovereignty, knowing that God can use even legal battles to bring about His will. For those who stand for truth, there may be opposition, but ultimately, truth can prevail, and God's plan for their lives will unfold.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 26:31

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

  • Acts 26:32

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

  • 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 22:24

    The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

  • Acts 22:25

    And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

  • Acts 24:22

    ¶ And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of [that] way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

  • Acts 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.

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