Acts 25:8
While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπολογουμένου
While he answered
G626
ἀπολογουμένου
While he answered
Strong's:
G626
Word #:
1 of 18
to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)
αὐτοῦ,
for himself
G846
αὐτοῦ,
for himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 18
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
ὅτι
Neither
G3754
ὅτι
Neither
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
7 of 18
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερὸν
the temple
G2411
ἱερὸν
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
13 of 18
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Acts 24:12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:Acts 28:17And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.Jeremiah 37:18Moreover Jeremiah said unto king Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison?
Historical Context
Paul's defense before Festus required addressing both Jewish religious concerns and Roman political interests. His claim to have violated neither Jewish nor Roman law anticipated Christianity's later legal status as religio licita (permitted religion) in the empire.
Questions for Reflection
- How does living blamelessly before both religious and civil authorities strengthen your gospel witness?
- What does Paul's comprehensive defense teach about Christianity's compatibility with proper respect for legitimate authority?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's declaration 'Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all' comprehensively addresses all possible charges. His triple denial - religious, ritual, and political offenses - shows how thoroughly baseless the accusations were. This clean slate before Jewish law, temple regulations, and Roman authority demonstrates that Christianity, properly understood, threatens neither legitimate religion nor proper government.