King James Version
What Does Acts 25:21 Mean?
“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. hearing: or, judgment”
Context
19
But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20
And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. I doubted: or, I was doubtful how to enquire hereof
21
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. hearing: or, judgment
22
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
Commentary
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.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Acts 25:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Acts 25:21
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge