But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation.
Parallel translations
- WEB But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
- KJV But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
- BSB But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation.
- NKJV But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation.
- NLT But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Because Jewish opponents objected, Paul appealed to Caesar, not to accuse his nation but to secure justice. He bears no malice toward his people.
Overview
Paul explains that he was forced to appeal to Caesar when the Jewish leaders in Judea resisted his release. He carefully insists he has no charge to bring against his own nation, guarding against any sense of vengeance. His aim is vindication and continued witness, reflecting a heart that still longs for Israel's salvation (Rom. 9:1-3).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- Acts 26:32Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
- Acts 25:21But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar.”
- Acts 25:10–12But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well.
- Acts 25:25But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him,
- 1 Pet 2:22–23who did not sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.”
- Rom 12:19–21Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 28:19 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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