Acts 28:18
Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
Original Language Analysis
ἀνακρίναντές
when they had examined
G350
ἀνακρίναντές
when they had examined
Strong's:
G350
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
ἀπολῦσαι
have let me go
G630
ἀπολῦσαι
have let me go
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
5 of 13
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰτίαν
cause
G156
αἰτίαν
cause
Strong's:
G156
Word #:
9 of 13
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
θανάτου
of death
G2288
θανάτου
of death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
10 of 13
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Roman governors repeatedly acknowledged Christianity posed no threat to imperial order. This legal precedent of Christianity's innocence became crucial for the church's survival under Roman law in subsequent decades.
Questions for Reflection
- How does maintaining blameless conduct before civil authorities strengthen gospel witness?
- What comfort does Christ's example of innocent suffering provide when you face unjust treatment?
Analysis & Commentary
Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go (ἀνακρίναντές με ἐβούλοντο ἀπολῦσαι)—Paul cites Roman authorities' findings of innocence across multiple trials: Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:29), Felix (Acts 24:22-23), and Festus (Acts 25:25). The phrase no cause of death in me (μηδεμίαν αἰτίαν θανάτου) echoes Pilate's threefold declaration of Jesus' innocence (Luke 23:4, 14, 22). This parallel demonstrates how suffering for righteousness identifies believers with Christ. Paul's innocence exposed the Jewish leaders' charges as politically motivated persecution, not legitimate justice.