But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

ACTS 25:21KJV
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Acts 25:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:21 mean?

Acts 25:21 explains that when Paul asked to have his case heard by the emperor (Augustus), the Roman official decided to keep Paul in custody until he could be sent to Caesar for trial. This verse shows the legal process Paul went through as a Roman citizen appealing to the highest authority.

The speaker here is Festus, the Roman governor, explaining to King Agrippa why Paul is still being held. Paul had been accused by Jewish leaders, but instead of being judged locally, he used his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar (the emperor in Rome). This set the stage for Paul’s journey to Rome, a major turning point in the book of Acts.

The Greek behind Acts 25:21

  • "Ἀπεκαλέσατο" (apekalesato, G1941) means "appealed" or "called upon." This word highlights Paul’s formal legal request to have his case heard by the emperor, not just a casual request but an official appeal under Roman law.
  • "Σεβαστός" (Sebastos, G4575) is translated "Augustus," a title for the Roman emperor. The word means "revered" or "venerable," showing the high status of the person Paul appealed to.
  • "Καίσαρ" (Kaisar, G2541) is "Caesar," the emperor himself. The verse makes clear that Paul’s case was now out of local hands and headed to the highest court in the empire.
  • "Φυλάσσεσθαι" (phylassesthai, G5083) means "to be kept" or "guarded." This word shows that Paul was not free but was being held securely until his transfer.

Why Acts 25:21 matters

  • Acts 25:21 clears up that Paul’s continued imprisonment was not due to indecision or neglect, but because he had exercised his legal right to appeal to Caesar, which the Roman authorities were obligated to honor.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of Paul’s situation and the respect given to Roman legal procedures, showing the protections Roman citizenship offered even to someone accused by powerful groups.
  • This verse connects directly to the larger narrative of Acts, where Paul’s appeal to Caesar becomes the means by which the gospel message is carried to Rome, fulfilling earlier hints that Paul would testify in the heart of the empire.

Where else these words appear

“Augustus” Greek G4575 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 25:25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
  • Acts 27:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

“Caesar” Greek G2541 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 20:24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
  • Acts 25:10 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.

“commanded” Greek G2753 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 8:18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
  • Luke 18:40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
  • Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

“appealed” Greek G1941 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
  • Acts 26:32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.