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.

But {G1161} when Paul {G3972} had appealed {G1941} to be reserved {G5083}{G846} unto {G1519} the hearing {G1233} of Augustus {G4575}, I commanded {G2753} him {G846} to be kept {G5083} till {G2193}{G3739} I might send {G3992} him {G846} to {G4314} Caesar {G2541}.

But since Sha’ul appealed to be kept in custody and have his case decided by His Imperial Majesty, I ordered him held until I could send him to the Emperor.”

But when Paul appealed to be held over for the decision of the Emperor, I ordered that he be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept till I should send him to Cæsar.

Commentary

Context

Acts 25:21 finds the Apostle Paul in Caesarea, under the jurisdiction of Porcius Festus, the new Roman procurator of Judea, who succeeded Felix. Paul had been imprisoned for two years, and Festus, seeking to gain favor with the Jewish leaders, proposed that Paul be tried in Jerusalem. This was a dangerous proposition for Paul, as there were known plots against his life by the Jews (Acts 23:12). Exercising his rights as a Roman citizen, Paul made a crucial decision to appeal directly to the emperor. This verse records Festus's official response to Paul's appeal, setting in motion the journey that would ultimately take Paul to Rome.

Key Themes

  • Paul's Roman Citizenship: This verse highlights the profound importance of Paul's Roman citizenship, which granted him specific legal protections, including the right to appeal to the emperor. This right was a critical factor in his journey to Rome, allowing him to bypass local prejudices and secure a hearing at the highest level of Roman authority. Paul had previously asserted his citizenship to avoid unlawful scourging (Acts 22:25).
  • Divine Providence: Although Paul was a prisoner, his appeal to Caesar was not merely a legal maneuver but also a step in God's sovereign plan. The Lord had previously assured Paul that he must testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). This legal process became the vehicle for fulfilling that divine purpose, demonstrating how God can use human systems and even adversity to advance His kingdom.
  • Roman Justice: Festus's decision to honor Paul's appeal, after consulting with his council (Acts 25:12), showcases the structure and, to some extent, the integrity of the Roman legal system, which allowed for such appeals.

Linguistic Insight

The terms "Augustus" and "Caesar" in this verse both refer to the Roman Emperor. At the time of Paul's appeal (around 59-60 AD), the reigning Emperor was Nero. "Augustus" was an honorary title adopted by Roman emperors after the first emperor, Octavian, while "Caesar" functioned both as a family name (Julius Caesar) and a general title for the emperor. Thus, Paul was appealing to the highest imperial authority.

Significance and Application

Acts 25:21 marks a pivotal moment in Paul's missionary journeys, redirecting his path toward the heart of the Roman Empire. For believers today, this verse offers several insights:

  • Trust in God's Plan: Even when circumstances seem dire or involve legal entanglements, God can orchestrate events to fulfill His greater purposes. Paul's imprisonment was not a setback but a stepping stone to Rome, allowing him to preach the Gospel in imperial circles.
  • Wise Use of Rights: Paul's decision to appeal was a strategic and legitimate use of his legal rights. Believers can and should wisely use available legal and civic channels to protect themselves and advance the cause of the Gospel, where appropriate.
  • Perseverance Amidst Opposition: Despite constant opposition and legal challenges, Paul remained steadfast in his mission. His journey to Caesar underscores his unwavering commitment to preach Christ even to the highest authorities. Paul eventually arrives in Rome, as recorded in Acts 28:16, fulfilling the divine decree.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 4:16 (3 votes)

    ¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

  • Acts 25:10 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 25:11 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

  • Acts 26:32 (2 votes)

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

  • Acts 27:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto [one] named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.