For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

ACTS 25:11KJV
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Acts 25:11 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:11 mean?

Acts 25:11 records Paul saying that if he has done anything deserving death, he is willing to die, but if the accusations against him are false, no one has the right to hand him over; therefore, he appeals to Caesar for judgment. Paul is insisting on justice and using his right as a Roman citizen to have his case heard by the emperor.

Paul is speaking before the Roman governor Festus, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders who want him executed. By appealing to Caesar, Paul is not only protecting himself from an unfair trial but also following the legal process available to Roman citizens. This moment shows Paul’s confidence in his innocence and his understanding of both Jewish and Roman law.

The Greek behind Acts 25:11

  • "ἀδικῶ" (adiko, offender): This word means to do wrong or act unjustly. Paul is directly addressing the charge that he has broken the law, showing he is not avoiding responsibility if he is truly guilty.
  • "ἄξιον θανάτου" (axion thanatou, worthy of death): This phrase means deserving the death penalty. Paul is clear that he accepts the consequences if he has committed a capital offense.
  • "χαρίζομαι" (charizomai, deliver): This word can mean to grant or hand over. Paul is saying that if he is innocent, no one has the right to "grant" him to his accusers, emphasizing legal protection.
  • "Καίσαρα ἐπικαλοῦμαι" (Kaisara epikaloumai, I appeal to Caesar): This is a formal legal phrase, showing Paul is invoking his right to have his case heard by the emperor, a privilege for Roman citizens.

Why Acts 25:11 matters

  • Acts 25:11 clarifies that Paul is not afraid of punishment if he is truly guilty, but he insists on a fair trial and legal process, highlighting his integrity and respect for justice.
  • The verse shows how Roman citizenship provided real legal protections, which Paul uses to avoid being handed over to hostile accusers without a proper hearing.
  • This appeal to Caesar sets the stage for the next chapters of Acts, where Paul’s journey to Rome becomes a key part of the story, fulfilling earlier hints that he would testify about Jesus in the heart of the empire.

Where else these words appear

“refuse” Greek G3868 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • 1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
  • Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

“deliver” Greek G5483 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
  • Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
  • Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

“accuse” Greek G2723 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Luke 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
  • Acts 24:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

“offender” Greek G91 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
  • 1 Corinthians 6:8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.
  • Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.