John Calvin Commentary Acts 25:10

"But Paul said, I am standing before Caesar`s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest." — Acts 25:10 (ASV)

I stand at Caesar’s judgment-seat. Because Paul sees that he is betrayed into the hands of the Jews through the ambition of the governor, he objects, invoking the privilege of the city of Rome. He would have submitted himself modestly if the governor had commanded him to do what was just and equal.

Now, because the governor does not perform his duty willingly, necessity compels the holy man to defend himself by law; and by this means, the Lord delivers him once again, even when he was almost handed over to his enemies.

And while he desires to have his case handled before Caesar’s judgment seat, he does not, therefore, make the doctrine of the gospel subject to the judgment of a profane and wicked man; but, being ready to give an account of his faith everywhere, he appeals from that court where he could no longer hope for equity.

Furthermore, although the citizens of Rome retained their privilege, the system was then altered because the Caesars had taken the judging of the people into their own hands, as if they would be good maintainers and patrons of common liberty.

To the Jews have I done. Because those whose consciences accuse them, and who mistrust their own case, resort to certain peculiar excuses and exceptions, Paul deflects any such suspicion from himself. And surely, the ministers of Christ should take no less care to make their innocence known than to save their lives.

If Paul had flatly refused to answer for himself, his enemies would have triumphed, and the uncertainty arising from an evil conscience would have been used against him, to the reproach of the gospel. But now, when he cites the governor himself as a witness to his integrity and refuses no punishment if he should be found guilty, he cuts off all opportunity for slanderous reports.

Therefore, he shows that he does not seek to save himself by retreating, but rather resorts to the fortress of a just defense, so that he may save himself from harm there, seeing that his adversaries have until now treated him unjustly; and now, refusing to deal with him any longer according to law, they are attempting to have him murdered.

Nor does Paul go behind the governor's back to accuse him of acting unjustly in dallying so with his accusers; and by this, Paul, as it were, bridles the governor's wrongful desire, so that he dares to go no further.