Acts 28:18

18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.

Acts 28:18 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 28:18

Who when they had examined me
About the things laid to his charge, had heard what his accusers had to object to him, and the defence he made for himself:

would have let [me] go;
released him from his bonds, and set him at liberty to go where he pleased:

because there was no cause of death in me;
no crime proved upon him, which was worthy of death; and this was the sense of Lysias the chief captain, and of Felix and Festus the Roman governors, and of King Agrippa.

Acts 28:18 In-Context

16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

17 After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.

19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation.

20 So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”