Acts 26:32

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 26:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
Acts 26:32 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto 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
“Then said Agrippa unto Festus, etc.] As declaring his sense, and by way of advice and counsel; but not as determining anything himself, for that lay in the breast of Festus, the Roman governor and judge: this man might have been set at liberty; from his bonds and imprisonment; for ought that appears against him, or any law to the contrary: if he had not appealed unto Caesar; wherefore an inferior judge could not release him; but so it was ordered in divine Providence, that he should appeal to Caesar, that he might go to Rome, and there bear a testimony for Christ; however, this declaration of Agrippa, and what he and the governor and the rest said among themselves, are a considerable proof…”
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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
“This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed to CÃ&brvbrsar--It would seem from this that such appeals, once made, behooved to be carried out. Next: Acts Chapter 27”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then said Agrippa unto Festus ... - This is a full declaration of the conviction of Agrippa, before whom the cause had been heard, that Paul was innocent. It is an instance, also, where boldness and fidelity will be attended with happy results. Paul had concealed nothing of the truth. He had made a bold and faithful appeal Acts 26:27 to Agrippa himself for the truth of what he was saying. By this appeal Agrippa had not been offended. It had only served to impress him more with the innocence of Paul. It is an instance which shows that religion may be so commended to the conscience and reason of princes, kings, and judges that they will see its truth. It is an instance which shows that the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“26:32 He could have been set free: The legal verdict was clear (26:31). But as a practical matter, if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar, Paul might not have been alive (25:1-11). As it was, he was fulfilling God’s purposes for him (23:11).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“appealed: Act 25:11, Act 25:12, Act 25:25, Act 28:18 Next: Acts Chapter 27”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification