Acts 28:19

19 But the Jews contradicting 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 after the third day, he called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said to them: Men, brethren, I, having done nothing against the people or the custom of our fathers, was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 Who, when they had examined me, would have released me, for that there was no cause of death in me.

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

20 For this cause therefore I desired to see you and to speak to you. Because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.

21 But they said to him: We neither received letters concerning thee from Judea: neither did any of the brethren that came hither relate or speak any evil of thee.