Devine Scripture

Acts 25:21

What does Acts 25:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 25:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 25:21 means

Festus states that when Paul appealed to be kept for the emperor’s decision, he ordered him held until he could send him to Cæsar. This succinctly recaps the legal status: the case has moved beyond provincial jurisdiction. Festus presents himself as compliant with law and order, doing what is required. For Paul, this means both continued confinement and secured passage to Rome. God’s purposes are not thwarted by chains; He uses them to place His witness exactly where He intends. The verse also highlights the administrative challenge Festus faces: sending a prisoner without clear charges is problematic.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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 Cesar.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when Paul made a request that he might be judged by Caesar, I gave orders for him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but Paul having appealed to be kept to the hearing of Sebastus, I did command him to be kept till I might send him unto Caesar.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Paul, appealing to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept, till I might send him to Caesar.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Paul having appealed to be kept for the cognisance of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I shall send him to Caesar.

Context

This follows Festus’ account of proposing a Jerusalem trial out of perplexity (verse 20). Paul’s appeal ended that possibility and compelled Festus to keep him for transfer to Rome. In the next verse, Agrippa expresses interest in hearing Paul (verse 22), providing a way to clarify the case. The subsequent scene of pomp and public hearing (verse 23) will allow Festus to state his dilemma and seek Agrippa’s help in framing a report (verses 24–27), setting up Paul’s formal testimony in the next chapter.

v.20And I, being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters.

v.21This passage

v.22And Agrippa said unto Festus, I also could wish to hear the man myself. To-morrow, saith he, thou shalt hear him.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 25:10

    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.

  • Luke 2:1

    Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

  • 2 Timothy 4:16

    At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.

  • Acts 26:32

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

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