Acts 25:21 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."

◄ Acts 25:21 ►

New International Version
But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

New Living Translation
But Paul appealed to have his case decided by the emperor. So I ordered that he be held in custody until I could arrange to send him to Caesar.”

English Standard Version
But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

Berean Literal Bible
But of Paul having appealed for himself to be kept for the decision of the Emperor, I commanded him to be kept until that I might send him to Caesar."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.”

New American Standard Bible
But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered that he be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.”

NASB 1995
“But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.”

NASB 1977
“But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.”

Amplified Bible
But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for a decision by the Emperor [Nero], I ordered him to be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”

Christian Standard Bible
But when Paul appealed to be held for trial by the Emperor, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But when Paul appealed to be held for trial by the Emperor, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”

American Standard Version
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 C�sar.

Contemporary English Version
But Paul asked to be kept in jail until the Emperor could decide his case. So I ordered him to be kept here until I could send him to the Emperor.

English Revised Version
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 Caesar.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Paul appealed his case. He asked to be held in prison and to have His Majesty the Emperor decide his case. So I ordered him to be held in prison until I could send him to the emperor."

Good News Translation
But Paul appealed; he asked to be kept under guard and to let the Emperor decide his case. So I gave orders for him to be kept under guard until I could send him to the Emperor."

International Standard Version
But Paul appealed his case and asked to be held in prison until the decision of his Majesty. So I ordered him to be held in custody until I could send him to the emperor."

Majority Standard Bible
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.?

NET Bible
But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of His Majesty the Emperor, I ordered him to be kept under guard until I could send him to Caesar."

New Heart English Bible
But 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."

Webster's Bible Translation
But when Paul had appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cesar.

Weymouth New Testament
But when Paul appealed to have his case kept for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him to be kept in prison until I could send him up to Caesar."

World English Bible
But 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.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
but Paul having appealed to be kept to the hearing of Sebastus, I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar.”

Berean Literal Bible
But of Paul having appealed for himself to be kept for the decision of the Emperor, I commanded him to be kept until that I might send him to Caesar."

Young's Literal Translation
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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Paul having appealed for him to be kept for the determination of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I send him to Caesar.

Catholic Translations

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

Catholic Public Domain Version
But since Paul was appealing to be kept for a decision before Augustus, I ordered him to be kept, until I might send him to Caesar.”

New American Bible
And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

New Revised Standard Version
But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of his Imperial Majesty, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to the emperor.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But he appealed to be kept as a prisoner for a trial before Cæ’sar. I accordingly commanded him to be kept in custody till I might send him to Cæ’sar.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But he requested to be kept for the judgment of Caesar, and I ordered that he be kept until I send him to Caesar.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But when Paul made his appeal, that he should be kept for the judgment of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept, till I could send him to Caesar

Godbey New Testament
And Paul having demanded that he should be kept for the diagnosis of Augustus, I demanded that he should be kept until I shall send him to Caesar.

Haweis New Testament
But Paul appealing that he should be reserved for the cognizance of Augustus, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I should send him to C�sar.

Mace New Testament
but Paul having made his appeal, insisting to have his cause refer'd to the cognizance of the emperor, I order'd him into custody, till I could send him to Cesar.

Weymouth New Testament
But when Paul appealed to have his case kept for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him to be kept in prison until I could send him up to Caesar."

Worrell New Testament
But, as Paul appealed to be held for the decision of Augustus, I ordered, that he be held, until I should send him up to Caesar."

Worsley New Testament
But when Paul appealed, to be reserved to the hearing of our sovereign, I ordered him to be kept till I could send him to Cesar.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Festus Consults King Agrippa
…20Since I was at a loss as to how to investigate these matters, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges. 21But 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.” 22Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” “Tomorrow you will hear him,” Festus declared.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 28:19
But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation.

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

Acts 22:21
Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 27:24
and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Acts 23:24
Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”

Acts 24:27
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Acts 26:1-2
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews,

Acts 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 23:35
he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.

Acts 28:17
After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

Acts 25:10-12
Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” / Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Treasury of Scripture

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

had.

Acts 25:10
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 26:32
Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

2 Timothy 4:16
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.

hearing.

Acts 27:1
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.

Luke 2:1
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

I commanded.

Acts 25:12
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

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Acts 25

1. The Jews accuse Paul before Festus.
8. He answers for himself,
11. and appeals unto Caesar.
14. Afterwards Festus opens his matter to king Agrippa;
23. and he is brought forth.
25. Festus clears him of having done anything worthy of death.

Berean Study Bible

But when Paul appealed
The phrase "But when Paul appealed" indicates a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Greek word for "appealed" is "ἐπικαλέομαι" (epikaleomai), which means to call upon or invoke. In this context, it refers to Paul's legal right as a Roman citizen to appeal to a higher authority, specifically Caesar. This appeal was a strategic move by Paul, demonstrating his understanding of Roman law and his determination to ensure a fair trial. Historically, this reflects the Roman legal system's complexity and the privileges afforded to its citizens, which Paul wisely utilized to further his mission and protect his life.

to be held over for the decision of Caesar
The phrase "to be held over for the decision of Caesar" underscores the gravity of Paul's appeal. The Greek term "Καῖσαρ" (Kaisar) refers to the Roman Emperor, who at the time was Nero. This appeal to Caesar was not merely a legal maneuver but a profound act of faith, trusting that God would use even the highest earthly authority to fulfill His divine purposes. The decision of Caesar was seen as the ultimate judgment, and Paul's appeal signifies his confidence in God's sovereignty over human institutions.

I ordered that he be kept under guard
"I ordered that he be kept under guard" reflects the Roman governor Festus's response to Paul's appeal. The Greek word "φυλάσσω" (phulassō) means to guard or protect. This indicates that Paul was not merely imprisoned but was under protective custody, ensuring his safety until he could be sent to Rome. This protection can be seen as God's providential care over Paul, ensuring that he would reach Rome as part of his mission to spread the Gospel.

until I could send him to Caesar
The phrase "until I could send him to Caesar" highlights the administrative process involved in transferring a prisoner to Rome. The Greek word "πέμπω" (pempō) means to send or dispatch. This reflects the Roman Empire's vast bureaucratic system, which facilitated the movement of people and information across great distances. For Paul, this journey to Rome was not just a legal necessity but a divinely orchestrated opportunity to witness to the heart of the empire. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to use worldly systems to accomplish His divine purposes, turning what seems like a setback into a strategic advance for the Gospel.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) Unto the hearing of Augustus.--The title is the Greek equivalent, as seen in the name Sebaste (= Augusta) given to Samaria, for the epithet which, like our "his majesty," had become a kind of official title of the Roman emperor. It had first been given by the Senate to Octavianus (Sueton. Aug. c. 7), and was adopted by his successors. As connected with "augur, it had originally, like Sebastos, a religious connotation. The month of August, dedicated to the first emperor as July had been dedicated to Julius, and the names of Augsburg and Sebastopol, arc interesting as perpetuating its memory. The word for "hearing" (the same as our medical term diagnosis) corresponds rather to our thorough investigation.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - To be kept for the decision of the emperor for to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, A.V.; should for might, A.V. The decision; διαγνῶσις, here only in the New Testament; but it is used in this sense in Wisd. 3:18 ("the day of trial," or "hearing," A.V.), and by Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 15. 3:8). For the verb διαγινώσκω, see Acts 23:15; Acts 24:22, notes. The emperor (τοῦ Σεβαστοῦ); rather, as the A.V., Augustus. Augustus was the title conferred by the senate upon Octavius Caesar, B.C. 27, whom we commonly designate Augustus Caesar. It became afterwards the distinctive title of the reigning emperor, and, after the end of the second century, sometimes of two or even three co-emperors, and was now berne by Nero. Its Greek equivalent was Σεβαστός. Augustus may be derived, as Ovid says, from augeo, as faustus from farce, and be kindred with augur, and mean one blest and aggrandized of God, and so, full of majesty. It is spoken of all holy things, temples and the like, "Et queocunque sua Jupiter auget ope" (Ovid, 'Fast.,' 1:609); and, as Ovid says in the same passage, is a title proper to the gods. For, comparing it with the names of the greatest Roman families, Maximus, Magnus, Torquatus, Corvus, etc., their names, he says, bespeak human honors, but of Augustus, he says, "Hie socium summo cum Jove nomen habet." And so the Greek Σεβαστός bespeaks a veneration closely akin to adoration. Caesar, originally the name of a family of the Juliagens, became the name of Octavius Caesar Augustus, as the adopted son of Julius Caesar; then of Tiberius, as the adopted son of Augustus; and then of the successors of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, who had by descent or adoption some relationship to C. Julius Caesar the great dictator. After Nero, succeeding emperors usually prefixed the name of Caesar to their other names, and placed that of Augustus after them. AElius Verus, adopted by Hadrian, was the first person who bore the name of Caesar without being emperor. From this time it became usual for the heir to the throne to bear the name; and later, for many of the emperor's kindred to be so called. It was, in fact, a title of honor conferred by the emperor.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But [when]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Paul
Παύλου (Paulou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

appealed
ἐπικαλεσαμένου (epikalesamenou)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1941: (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address.

to be held over
τηρηθῆναι (tērēthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

decision
διάγνωσιν (diagnōsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1233: Judicial examination, decision; an act of discernment. From diaginosko; examination.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Emperor,
Σεβαστοῦ (Sebastou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4575: From sebazomai; venerable, i.e. a title of the Roman Emperor, or imperial.

I ordered
ἐκέλευσα (ekeleusa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2753: To command, order, direct, bid. From a primary kello; 'hail'; to incite by word, i.e. Order.

him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

held
τηρεῖσθαι (tēreisthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

until
ἕως (heōs)
Preposition
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

I could send
ἀναπέμψω (anapempsō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 375: To send up (to a higher tribunal), send back. From ana and pempo; to send up or back.

him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

Caesar.”
Καίσαρα (Kaisara)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2541: Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.

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NT Apostles: Acts 25:21 But when Paul had appealed to be (Acts of the Apostles Ac)