Acts 25:25
New International Version
I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome.

New Living Translation
But in my opinion he has done nothing deserving death. However, since he appealed his case to the emperor, I have decided to send him to Rome.

English Standard Version
But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.

Berean Standard Bible
But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

Berean Literal Bible
But I, having understood him to have done nothing worthy of death, of this one himself now having appealed to the Emperor, I determined to send him,

King James Bible
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

New King James Version
But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him.

New American Standard Bible
But I found that he had committed nothing deserving death; and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

NASB 1995
“But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death; and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

NASB 1977
“But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death; and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

Legacy Standard Bible
But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

Amplified Bible
But I found that he had done nothing worthy of death; however, since he appealed to the Emperor [Nero], I decided to send him [to Rome].

Christian Standard Bible
I found that he had not done anything deserving of death, but when he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now I realized that he had not done anything deserving of death, but when he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

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

Contemporary English Version
I have not found him guilty of any crime deserving death. But because he has asked to be judged by the Emperor, I have decided to send him to Rome.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, I don't think that he has done anything to deserve the death penalty. But since he made an appeal to His Majesty the Emperor, I have decided to send him to Rome.

Good News Translation
But I could not find that he had done anything for which he deserved the death sentence. And since he himself made an appeal to the Emperor, I have decided to send him.

International Standard Version
I find that he has not done anything deserving of death. But since he has appealed to his Majesty, I have decided to send him.

Majority Standard Bible
But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

NET Bible
But I found that he had done nothing that deserved death, and when he appealed to His Majesty the Emperor, I decided to send him.

New Heart English Bible
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him.

Webster's Bible Translation
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Weymouth New Testament
I could not discover that he had done anything for which he deserved to die; but as he has himself appealed to the Emperor, I have decided to send him to Rome.

World English Bible
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor, I determined to send him,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I, having found him to have done nothing worthy of death, and he also himself having appealed to Sebastus, I decided to send him,

Berean Literal Bible
But I, having understood him to have done nothing worthy of death, of this one himself now having appealed to the Emperor, I determined to send him,

Young's Literal Translation
and I, having found him to have done nothing worthy of death, and he also himself having appealed to Sebastus, I decided to send him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I discovering nothing he has done worthy of death, and he also himself having appealed to Augustus, I judged to send him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Yet have I found nothing that he hath committed worthy of death. But forasmuch as he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Truly, I have discovered nothing brought forth against him that is worthy of death. But since he himself has appealed to Augustus, it was my judgment to send him.

New American Bible
I found, however, that he had done nothing deserving death, and so when he appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

New Revised Standard Version
But I found that he had done nothing deserving death; and when he appealed to his Imperial Majesty, I decided to send him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and because he himself had appealed to be kept in custody for a trial before Cæsar, I commanded to send him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And I have found nothing worthy of death that has been done by him, and because he has asked to be kept for the judgment of Caesar, I have commanded that he be sent.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But finding that he had done nothing worthy of death, and as he himself has appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Godbey New Testament
But I discovered that he had done nothing worthy of death, however he himself appealing to Caesar, I decided to send him.

Haweis New Testament
But finding on inquiry that he had done nothing worthy of death, and he himself indeed having appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Mace New Testament
but finding he had done nothing that deserv'd death, I have resolved to send him to the emperor, to whom he had appealed.

Weymouth New Testament
I could not discover that he had done anything for which he deserved to die; but as he has himself appealed to the Emperor, I have decided to send him to Rome.

Worrell New Testament
But I found that he committed nothing worthy of death; and, as he himself appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him:

Worsley New Testament
But when I found that he had done nothing worthy of death, and as he himself has appealed to the emperor, I have determined to send him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
24Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought not to live any longer. 25But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign one about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write.…

Cross References
Acts 23:9
A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”

Acts 26:31-32
On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Luke 23:4
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

John 18:38
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.

John 19:4
Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

John 19:6
As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

1 Peter 2:22
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”

Isaiah 53:9
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

Psalm 69:4
Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

Psalm 35:19
Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice.

Psalm 109:3-4
They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.

Daniel 6:4
Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.

Jeremiah 26:16
Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”

Proverbs 17:15
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself has appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

committed.

Acts 23:9,29
And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God…

Acts 26:31
And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Luke 23:4,14
Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man…

and that.

Acts 25:11,12
For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar…

Augustus.

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Appeal Appealed Augustus Caesar Cause Committed Death Decided Deserved Deserving Determined Die Discover Emperor Found Judged Opinion Request Rome Sebastus Worthy
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Appeal Appealed Augustus Caesar Cause Committed Death Decided Deserved Deserving Determined Die Discover Emperor Found Judged Opinion Request Rome Sebastus Worthy
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.














But I found he had done nothing worthy of death
This phrase reflects the Roman legal perspective on the charges against Paul. The Roman governor, Festus, acknowledges that Paul has not committed any crime deserving of capital punishment. This aligns with the broader narrative in Acts where Roman officials repeatedly find no legal basis for the accusations against Paul (Acts 23:29, Acts 26:31). The Jewish leaders accused Paul of blasphemy and sedition, but Roman law required evidence of a crime against the state, which they could not provide. This echoes the trial of Jesus, where Pilate also found no fault in Him (Luke 23:4, John 18:38).

and since he has now appealed to the Emperor
Paul's appeal to the Emperor, Caesar, was a legal right of Roman citizens, which Paul exercised to avoid a biased trial in Jerusalem. This appeal was significant because it shifted the jurisdiction from a local to an imperial level, ensuring a more impartial hearing. The Emperor at the time was Nero, known for his initial fair governance before his later tyranny. This appeal also fulfilled God's promise to Paul that he would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11), demonstrating God's sovereignty in using legal systems to accomplish His purposes.

I decided to send him
Festus's decision to send Paul to Rome was both a legal obligation and a strategic move to resolve a politically sensitive situation. By sending Paul to Rome, Festus avoided potential unrest among the Jewish leaders while adhering to Roman legal procedures. This decision set the stage for Paul's journey to Rome, where he would continue his ministry and fulfill his calling to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). This journey also symbolizes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is on trial, having been accused by Jewish leaders of crimes against their law and the Roman state. He appeals to Caesar for a fair trial.

2. Festus
The Roman governor of Judea who succeeded Felix. He is responsible for hearing Paul's case and determining the next steps.

3. Caesar (Emperor)
The Roman Emperor to whom Paul appeals. At this time, it is likely Nero, known for his initial fair rule but later infamous for his persecution of Christians.

4. Jewish Leaders
They are the accusers of Paul, seeking to have him condemned for blasphemy and sedition.

5. Caesarea
The location where Paul is being held and where Festus is governing. It is a significant Roman administrative center in Judea.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Trials
Even when falsely accused, Paul trusts in God's plan. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even in unjust situations.

The Right to Appeal
Paul uses his rights as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. Christians can learn the importance of using legal rights and systems to seek justice.

Integrity in Accusations
Festus finds no fault in Paul, highlighting the importance of maintaining integrity so that accusations against us are unfounded.

Courage in Witnessing
Paul's boldness in appealing to Caesar shows his commitment to spreading the Gospel, regardless of personal risk. Believers are encouraged to be courageous in their witness.

Trust in God's Timing
Paul’s journey to Rome was not immediate, teaching us patience and trust in God's timing for His promises to be fulfilled.(25) When I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.--The words should be noted as an emphatic declaration on the part of Festus that the accusers had failed to sustain their indictment. But a procurator transmitting a case to the supreme court of the emperor was bound to send a formal report as to the matter out of which the appeal arose, and it was on this point that the "perplexed" ruler desired the advice and co-operation of Agrippa.

Verse 25. - I found... I determined for when I found... I have determined, A.V. and T.R.; as for that, A.V. and T.R.; appealed for hath appealed, A.V.; the emperor for Augustus, A.V. Nothing worthy of death (see Acts 23:29; and comp. Luke 23:4, 15). I determined. The A.V., "when I found . .. I have determined," is hardly good grammar according to our present usage. It should be "determined," unless "when" is equivalent to "inasmuch as." If "when" expresses a point of past time from which the act of determining started, the perfect is improper in modern English. The same remark applies to the next verse, "I have brought him forth... that I might."

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

found
κατελαβόμην (katelabomēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2638: From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.

he
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.

had done
πεπραχέναι (peprachenai)
Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active
Strong's 4238: To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require.

nothing
μηδὲν (mēden)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3367: No one, none, nothing.

worthy
ἄξιον (axion)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 514: Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.

of death,
θανάτου (thanatou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.

[and] since he
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

has now appealed to
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.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative 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,
Σεβαστὸν (Sebaston)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4575: From sebazomai; venerable, i.e. a title of the Roman Emperor, or imperial.

I decided
ἔκρινα (ekrina)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

to send [him].
πέμπειν (pempein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3992: To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.


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NT Apostles: Acts 25:25 But when I found that he had (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 25:24
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