Acts 25:21

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 25:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Acts 25:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21But 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when Paul had appealed to be reserved, etc.] In custody at Caesarea: unto the hearing of Augustus; to have his cause heard, tried, and judged of, by the Roman Emperor Nero, here called Augustus; for as it was usual for a Roman emperor to be called Caesar, from Julius Caesar, the first of them, so to be called Augustus, from Octavius Augustus, the second emperor: his original surname was Thurinus, but this being objected to him as a reproachful one, he afterwards took the name of Caesar, and then of Augustus; the one by the will of his great uncle, the other by the advice of Munatius Plancus; when some thought he ought to be called Romulus, as if he was the founder of the city, it…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the hearing of Augustus--the imperial title first conferred by the Roman Senate on Octavius.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But when he had appealed - Acts 25:11. To be reserved - To be kept; not to be tried at Jerusalem, but to be sent to Rome for trial. Unto the hearing - Margin, “the judgment.” That Augustus might hear and decide the cause. Of Augustus - The reigning emperor at this time was Nero. The name Augustus Σεβαστός Sebastos properly denotes “what is venerable, or worthy of honor and reverence.” It was first applied to Caesar Octavianus, who was the Roman emperor in the time when our Saviour was born, and who is usually nailed Augustus Caesar. But the title continued to be used of his successors in office, as denoting the veneration or reverence which was due to the rank of emperor. return to 'Top of…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“had: Act 25:10, Act 26:32; Ti2 4:16 hearing: or, judgment Augustus: Act 27:1; Luk 2:1 I commanded: Act 25:12 Acts 25:22”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification