Devine Scripture

Acts 25:10

What does Acts 25:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 25:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 25:10 means

Paul replies that he is already standing at Cæsar’s judgment-seat—the proper place for his case. He insists this is where he ought to be tried and affirms he has done no wrong to the Jews, something Festus knows. Paul appeals to principle and to Festus’ own awareness of the facts. He refuses a change of venue that would compromise justice. This is not obstinacy but lawful insistence on a fair hearing. God had purposed for Paul to reach Rome; here Paul steps into that path through legitimate means. He is courageous yet respectful, pressing the governor to honor what is right.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Paul said, I am standing before Cæsar’s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said Paul, I stand at Cesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Paul said, I am standing before Cæsar’s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Paul said, I am before the seat of Caesar's authority where it is right for me to be judged: I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you are well able to see.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Paul said, `At the tribunal of Caesar I am standing, where it behoveth me to be judged; to Jews I did no unrighteousness, as thou dost also very well know;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Paul said: I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no injury, as thou very well knowest.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Paul said, I am standing before the judgment-seat of Caesar, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest.

Context

Festus had suggested a Jerusalem trial (verse 9). Paul counters by asserting the legitimacy of the current Roman tribunal and hints that Festus understands his innocence. This raises the stakes: either follow law or bow to pressure. In verse 11 Paul states willingness to face the death penalty if guilty, but, being innocent, he refuses to be handed over and explicitly appeals to Cæsar. That move legally binds Festus’ hands. Verse 12 will record the governor’s confirmation that the appeal stands, shifting the narrative focus toward Rome and setting up the later consultation with Agrippa.

v.9But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

v.10This passage

v.11If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if none of those things is true whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 23:29

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

  • Acts 22:25

    And when they had tied him up with the 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 28:18

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

  • Acts 25:25

    But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death: and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:2

    but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

  • Acts 26:31

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

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