Acts 25:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀδικῶ

G91

I be an offender

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄξιον

G514

worthy

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

θανάτου

G2288

of death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

πέπραχά

G4238

have committed

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

τι

G5100

any thing

some or any person or object

#10

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#11

παραιτοῦμαι

G3868

I refuse

to beg off, i.e., deprecate, decline, shun

#12

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ἀποθανεῖν·

G599

to die

to die off (literally or figuratively)

#14

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#15

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#16

οὐδείς

G3762

no man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#17

ἐστιν

G2076

there be

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#18

ὧν

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#19

οὗτοι

G3778

of these things whereof these

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#20

κατηγοροῦσίν

G2723

accuse

to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence

#21

μου

G3450

of me

#22

οὐδείς

G3762

no man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#23

με

G3165

#24

δύναται

G1410

may

to be able or possible

#25

αὐτοῖς

G846

unto them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#26

χαρίσασθαι·

G5483

deliver

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

#27

Καίσαρα

G2541

Caesar

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

#28

ἐπικαλοῦμαι

G1941

I appeal unto

to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 25 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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People

Peter
Paul