Acts 28:19
But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπικαλέσασθαι
to appeal
G1941
ἐπικαλέσασθαι
to appeal
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
6 of 15
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
ὡς
that
G5613
ὡς
that
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνους
nation
G1484
ἔθνους
nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
11 of 15
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Cross References
Acts 26:32Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.Acts 25:25But 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 25:21But 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.
Historical Context
Roman citizens could appeal directly to Caesar (provocatio ad Caesarem), removing cases from provincial jurisdiction. This right, established under the lex Julia, protected citizens from arbitrary provincial justice and guaranteed trial in Rome.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul demonstrate loving difficult people while protecting yourself from their harm?
- When is it appropriate to use legal rights for self-defense rather than passive submission to injustice?
Analysis & Commentary
I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar (ἠναγκάσθην ἐπικαλέσασθαι Καίσαρα)—The Greek 'anankazo' (compelled) indicates Paul had no alternative when Jewish opposition threatened his life. His clarification—not that I had ought to accuse my nation of—shows he appealed for self-preservation, not to prosecute his people. This reveals Paul's ongoing love for Israel despite their hostility (Romans 9:1-3). The appeal exercised his Roman citizenship rights while fulfilling God's promise that he would 'bear my name before... kings' (Acts 9:15).