King James Version

What Does Acts 28:18 Mean?

Acts 28:18 in the King James Version says “Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. — study this verse from Acts chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

Acts 28:18 · KJV


Context

16

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

17

And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18

Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

19

But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

20

For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go (ἀνακρίναντές με ἐβούλοντο ἀπολῦσαι)—Paul cites Roman authorities' findings of innocence across multiple trials: Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:29), Felix (Acts 24:22-23), and Festus (Acts 25:25). The phrase no cause of death in me (μηδεμίαν αἰτίαν θανάτου) echoes Pilate's threefold declaration of Jesus' innocence (Luke 23:4, 14, 22). This parallel demonstrates how suffering for righteousness identifies believers with Christ. Paul's innocence exposed the Jewish leaders' charges as politically motivated persecution, not legitimate justice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman governors repeatedly acknowledged Christianity posed no threat to imperial order. This legal precedent of Christianity's innocence became crucial for the church's survival under Roman law in subsequent decades.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does maintaining blameless conduct before civil authorities strengthen gospel witness?
  2. What comfort does Christ's example of innocent suffering provide when you face unjust treatment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
οἵτινες1 of 13

Who

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἀνακρίναντές2 of 13

when they had examined

G350

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine

με3 of 13

me

G3165

me

ἐβούλοντο4 of 13

would

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

ἀπολῦσαι5 of 13

have let me go

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

διὰ6 of 13

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ7 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μηδεμίαν8 of 13

no

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

αἰτίαν9 of 13

cause

G156

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

θανάτου10 of 13

of death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ὑπάρχειν11 of 13

there was

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

ἐν12 of 13

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐμοί·13 of 13

me

G1698

to me


Study Guide

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 28:18 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 28:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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