Acts 28:19

19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.

Acts 28:19 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 28:19

But when the Jews spake against it
His being cleared and dismissed, and desired he might be sent back to Jerusalem, to be tried and judged there, to which Festus seemed inclined:

I was constrained to appeal to Caesar;
to prevent the design of the Jews upon him, which was to way lay him and kill him, or by what ways they could, right or wrong, take away his life; and to provide for his own safety:

not that I had ought to accuse my nation of;
meaning, that he had no ill design in this appeal against his country, to expose them, and bring them under reproach and censure, but to vindicate himself, defend his own innocence, and preserve his character and life; suggesting, that what he did was not of choice, but by constraint, and with reluctance; being no friend to Heathen tribunals, nor any enemy to the Jewish nation.

Acts 28:19 In-Context

17 And it came to pass that after three days Paul called the chief Jews together; and when they had 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,

18 who, when they had examined me, would have let me go because there was no cause deserving of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you and to speak with you, because it is for the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."

21 And they said unto him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren who came show or speak any harm of thee.