Acts 26:31
What does Acts 26:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:31 means
In private conversation, the officials agree that Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment. Their verdict vindicates his character and message from a legal standpoint. Though some were offended by his claims, no crime is found. This confirms the theme repeated in Acts: the gospel’s opponents cannot substantiate charges of sedition or immorality. Paul’s sufferings are for the hope of Israel, not for wrongdoing. The recognition of innocence by both Roman and Jewish authorities in attendance strengthens the credibility of Paul’s testimony and exposes the injustice of his chains, even as God uses them to advance the mission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when they had gone away they said to one another, This man has done nothing which might give cause for death or prison.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having withdrawn, they were speaking unto one another, saying--`This man doth nothing worthy of death or of bonds;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they were gone aside, they spoke among themselves, saying: This man hath done nothing worthy of death or of bands.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and having gone apart, they spoke to one another saying, This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
Context
After the hearing ends (v.30), the leaders confer. Their assessment in v.31 precedes Agrippa’s final comment in v.32. The recognition of innocence echoes previous scenes in Acts where Roman officials find no capital charge. The narrative is steering toward Rome, not because Paul is guilty, but because of his appeal and God’s plan to bear witness in the imperial capital.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 23:9
And there arose a great clamor: and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: and what if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel?
- 1 Peter 3:16
having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.
- Luke 23:14
and said unto them, Ye brought unto me this man, as one that perverteth the people: and behold, I, having examined him before you, found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
- 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 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 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.
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