Acts 28:18

18 The Roman authorities cross-examined me and wanted to let me go because I was accused of nothing for which I deserved to die.

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 After our arrival, Paul was allowed to live by himself, but he had a soldier who guarded him.

17 After three days Paul invited the most influential Jews in Rome to meet with him. When they assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, I haven't done anything against the Jewish people or violated the customs handed down by our ancestors. Yet, I'm a prisoner from Jerusalem, and I've been handed over to the Roman authorities.

18 The Roman authorities cross-examined me and wanted to let me go because I was accused of nothing for which I deserved to die.

19 But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal my case to the emperor. That doesn't mean I have any charges to bring against my own people.

20 That's why I asked to see you and speak with you. I'm wearing these chains because of what Israel hopes for."