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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 28:19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/28-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/44_Act_28_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 28:19 - Paul Preaches at Rome" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/28-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/28-19.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 19</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/28-18.htm" title="Acts 28:18">◄</a> Acts 28:19 <a href="/acts/28-20.htm" title="Acts 28:20">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/28.htm">New International Version</a> The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. <a href="/nlt/acts/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. <a href="/esv/acts/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. <a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation. <a href="/blb/acts/28.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But of the Jews objecting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not as having anything to lay against my nation. <a href="/kjv/acts/28.htm">King James Bible</a> But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. <a href="/nkjv/acts/28.htm">New King James Version</a> But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. <a href="/nasb_/acts/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. <a href="/nasb/acts/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. <a href="/nasb77/acts/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar; not that I had any accusation against my nation. <a href="/lsb/acts/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. <a href="/amp/acts/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But when the Jews objected [to my release], I was forced to appeal to Caesar (Emperor Nero), not because I had any charge to make against my nation. <a href="/csb/acts/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; even though I had no charge to bring against my people. <a href="/hcsb/acts/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; it was not as though I had any accusation against my nation. <a href="/asv/acts/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto C忙sar; not that I had aught whereof to accuse my nation. <a href="/cev/acts/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Jewish leaders disagreed, so I asked to be tried by the Emperor. But I don't have anything to say against my own nation. <a href="/erv/acts/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of. <a href="/gwt/acts/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal my case to the emperor. That doesn't mean I have any charges to bring against my own people. <a href="/gnt/acts/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> But when the Jews opposed this, I was forced to appeal to the Emperor, even though I had no accusation to make against my own people. <a href="/isv/acts/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> But the Jews objected and forced me to appeal to the emperor, even though I have no countercharge to bring against my own people. <a href="/msb/acts/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation. <a href="/net/acts/28.htm">NET Bible</a> But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar--not that I had some charge to bring against my own people. <a href="/nheb/acts/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But when the Jews spoke against it, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. <a href="/wbt/acts/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Cesar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of. <a href="/wey/acts/28.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But, at last, the opposition of the Jews compelled me to appeal to Caesar; not however that I had any charge to bring against my nation. <a href="/web/acts/28.htm">World English Bible</a> But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the Jews having spoken against [it], I was constrained to appeal to Caesar—not as having anything to accuse my nation of; <a href="/blb/acts/28.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But of the Jews objecting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not as having anything to lay against my nation. <a href="/ylt/acts/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the Jews having spoken against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar -- not as having anything to accuse my nation of; <a href="/slt/acts/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the Jews saying against, I was forced to appeal to Caesar; as having nothing to accuse my nation.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But the Jews contradicting it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had any thing to accuse my nation of. <a href="/cpdv/acts/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But with the Jews speaking against me, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, though it was not as if I had any kind of accusation against my own nation. <a href="/nabre/acts/28.htm">New American Bible</a> But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even though I had no charge to bring against my nation.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But as the Jews stood against me I was obliged to appeal to Cæsar; not that I had anything of which to accuse my own people. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/28.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And as the Jews were opposing me, I was compelled to call for an appeal to Caesar, not as if I had any accusation against the children of my people.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/28.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But because the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar: not that I have any accusation to bring against my own nation. <a href="/godbey/acts/28.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and the Jews speaking against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not having anything for which to accuse my nation. <a href="/haweis/acts/28.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But when the Jews opposed it, I was constrained to appeal unto C忙sar; not that I have any accusation to bring against my countrymen. <a href="/mace/acts/28.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but the Jews opposing it, I was oblig'd to appeal to the emperor: not having however any design to accuse them. <a href="/wey/acts/28.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But, at last, the opposition of the Jews compelled me to appeal to Caesar; not however that I had any charge to bring against my nation. <a href="/worrell/acts/28.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But, when the Jews spake against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; not that I have anything of which to accuse my nation. <a href="/worsley/acts/28.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but the Jews opposing it, I was obliged to appeal to Cesar; though not as having any thing to accuse my nation of. <a href="/parallel/acts/28-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=9466" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm">Paul Preaches at Rome</a> …18They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. 19<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">when the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/483.htm" title="483: antilegontōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- To speak or say in opposition, contradict (oppose, resist). From anti and lego; to dispute, refuse.">objected,</a> <a href="/greek/315.htm" title="315: ēnankasthēn (V-AIP-1S) -- To force, compel, constrain, urge. From anagke; to necessitate.">I was compelled</a> <a href="/greek/1941.htm" title="1941: epikalesasthai (V-ANM) -- (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. ">to appeal to</a> <a href="/greek/2541.htm" title="2541: Kaisara (N-AMS) -- Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.">Caesar,</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">even though</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">I have</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">charge</a> <a href="/greek/2723.htm" title="2723: katēgorein (V-PNA) -- To accuse, charge, prosecute. From kategoros; to be a plaintiff, i.e. To charge with some offence.">to bring against</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1484.htm" title="1484: ethnous (N-GNS) -- Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.">nation.</a> 20So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/25-11.htm">Acts 25:11</a> If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” <a href="/acts/25-21.htm">Acts 25:21</a> But when Paul appealed to be held over for the decision of the Emperor, I ordered that he be held until I could send him to Caesar.” <a href="/acts/26-32.htm">Acts 26:32</a> And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.” <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Acts 23:11</a> The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.” <a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Acts 24:10-21</a> When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. / You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. / Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. ... <a href="/acts/25-9.htm">Acts 25:9-12</a> But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?” / Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” ... <a href="/acts/26-6.htm">Acts 26:6-7</a> And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers, / the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews. <a href="/acts/22-30.htm">Acts 22:30</a> The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them. <a href="/acts/24-27.htm">Acts 24:27</a> After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a> “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. <a href="/acts/19-21.htm">Acts 19:21</a> After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.” <a href="/acts/21-13.htm">Acts 21:13</a> Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1</a> Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” <a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Acts 24:25</a> As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Acts 26:1-2</a> Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.I was.<a href="/acts/25-10.htm">Acts 25:10-12,21,25</a> Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest… <a href="/acts/26-32.htm">Acts 26:32</a> Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.not.<a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a> Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord… <a href="/1_peter/2-22.htm">1 Peter 2:22,23</a> Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/25-18.htm">Accusation</a> <a href="/acts/25-11.htm">Accuse</a> <a href="/acts/25-25.htm">Appeal</a> <a href="/acts/24-19.htm">Aught</a> <a href="/acts/27-24.htm">Caesar</a> <a href="/acts/25-10.htm">Caesar's</a> <a href="/acts/28-18.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/acts/27-24.htm">Cesar</a> <a href="/acts/25-18.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Compelled</a> <a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Constrained</a> <a href="/acts/7-19.htm">Forced</a> <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/28-8.htm">However</a> <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/27-23.htm">Last</a> <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Nation</a> <a href="/john/13-6.htm">Objected</a> <a href="/acts/6-9.htm">Opposition</a> <a href="/acts/27-21.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/acts/20-26.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/acts/26-2.htm">Whereof</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Accusation</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Accuse</a> <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Appeal</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-1.htm">Aught</a> <a href="/philippians/4-22.htm">Caesar</a> <a href="/philippians/4-22.htm">Caesar's</a> <a href="/acts/28-20.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Cesar</a> <a href="/romans/3-8.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Compelled</a> <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Constrained</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-15.htm">Forced</a> <a href="/romans/10-21.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">However</a> <a href="/acts/28-29.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/28-25.htm">Last</a> <a href="/romans/9-25.htm">Nation</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">Objected</a> <a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Opposition</a> <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-31.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/romans/4-2.htm">Whereof</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 28</div>1. <a href="/acts/28-1.htm">Paul, after his shipwreck, is kindly entertained on Malta.</a> 5. <a href="/acts/28-5.htm">The snake on his hand hurts him not.</a> 8. <a href="/acts/28-8.htm">He heals many diseases in the island.</a> 11. <a href="/acts/28-11.htm">They depart toward Rome.</a> 17. <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">He declares to the Jews the cause of his coming.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/28-24.htm">After his preaching some were persuaded, and some believed not.</a> 30. <a href="/acts/28-30.htm">Yet he preaches there two years.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/acts/28.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>But when the Jews objected This phrase highlights the opposition Paul faced from the Jewish leaders. The Greek word for "objected" is "ἀντιλέγω" (antilegō), which means to speak against or contradict. Historically, this reflects the tension between early Christians and Jewish authorities who saw the burgeoning Christian movement as a threat to traditional Jewish beliefs. The Jewish leaders' objection was not merely a personal affront to Paul but a broader resistance to the message of Jesus as the Messiah, which Paul fervently preached.I was compelled The Greek word "ἀναγκάζω" (anankazō) is used here, meaning to be forced or constrained. Paul’s compulsion was not out of personal desire but necessity. This reflects the divine providence in Paul's journey, as he was driven by a higher calling to spread the Gospel, even when faced with adversity. His compulsion underscores the Christian belief in God's sovereignty and the idea that God can use opposition to fulfill His purposes.to appeal to Caesar Appealing to Caesar was a legal right of Roman citizens, which Paul exercised. The historical context here is crucial; as a Roman citizen, Paul had the privilege to have his case heard by the emperor himself. This appeal was not just a legal maneuver but a strategic move to ensure the Gospel reached the heart of the Roman Empire. It demonstrates Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission and his understanding of the broader implications of his ministry.even though I have no charge to bring against my nation Paul's statement here is significant. The Greek word for "charge" is "κατηγορία" (katēgoria), meaning accusation. Paul clarifies that his appeal to Caesar was not an act of betrayal against his fellow Jews. Instead, it was a necessary step to protect himself and continue his mission. This reflects Paul's deep love and respect for his Jewish heritage, even as he faced opposition from some Jewish leaders. It also highlights the early Christian struggle to define their identity in relation to Judaism, emphasizing that the Gospel was a fulfillment, not a rejection, of Jewish prophecy.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 19. - When the Jews spake against it. This is a detail not expressly mentioned in the direct narrative in <a href="/acts/25.htm">Acts 25</a>, but which makes that narrative clearer. It shows us that Festus's proposal in <a href="/acts/25-9.htm">Acts 25:9</a> was made in consequence of the opposition of the Jews to the acquittal which he was disposed to pronounce. I was constrained to appeal. Nothing can be more delicate, more conciliatory, or more truly patriotic than Paul's manner of addressing the Jews. Himself a Hebrew of the Hebrews, devoted to his kinsmen according to the flesh, never even putting forward his own privilege as a Roman citizen till the last necessity, he shows himself the constant friend of his own people in spite of all their ill usage. Undazzled by the splendor of Rome and the power of the Roman people, his heart is with his own despised nation, "that they might be saved." He wishes to he well with them; he wants them to understand his position; he speaks to them as a kinsman and a brother. His appeal to Caesar had been of necessity - to save his life. But he was not going to accuse his brethren before the dominant race. His first desire was that they should be his friends, and share with him the hope of the gospel of Christ. <a href="/commentaries/acts/28-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [when] the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. objected, ἀντιλεγόντων (antilegontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_483.htm">Strong's 483: </a> To speak or say in opposition, contradict (oppose, resist). From anti and lego; to dispute, refuse. I was compelled ἠναγκάσθην (ēnankasthēn) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_315.htm">Strong's 315: </a> To force, compel, constrain, urge. From anagke; to necessitate. to appeal to ἐπικαλέσασθαι (epikalesasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle <a href="/greek/strongs_1941.htm">Strong's 1941: </a> (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. Caesar, Καίσαρα (Kaisara) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2541.htm">Strong's 2541: </a> Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor. [even though] ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. I have ἔχων (echōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. no οὐχ (ouch) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. [charge] τι (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. to bring against κατηγορεῖν (katēgorein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2723.htm">Strong's 2723: </a> To accuse, charge, prosecute. From kategoros; to be a plaintiff, i.e. To charge with some offence. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. nation. ἔθνους (ethnous) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1484.htm">Strong's 1484: </a> Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/28-19.htm">Acts 28:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/28-19.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 28:19 But when the Jews spoke against it (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/28-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 28:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 28:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/28-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 28:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 28:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>