Definition: Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 26:32. It’s a really important and slightly surprising part of the story of Paul’s time in imprisonment. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Agrippa, a Roman official, was planning to release Paul after he’d been imprisoned for years. He thought that if Paul were released, he might be tempted to do something unethical or rebellious against Rome. He was essentially predicting that Paul might try to cause trouble. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then said Agrippa unto Festus…” : This tells us who is speaking – Agrippa, a Roman official. He’s the one making this prediction. “…this man might have been set at liberty…” : This means Agrippa thought Paul could be free if he wasn't held captive. Think of it as a possible opportunity for him to go back to Rome. "...if he had not appealed unto Caesar." : This is the key part. Agrippa is saying that Paul was appealed to Caesar, the Roman emperor. “Appealing” means asking for permission or favor from someone in power. So, what's the big takeaway? Agrippa was worried that Paul would try to influence Caesar to do something against Rome’s laws or wishes. He feared Paul might try to disobey orders and potentially cause problems for himself or the Roman authorities. Why is this important? This verse shows a significant shift in Paul's thinking. He wasn't just reacting to a situation; he was actively anticipating what someone else might do, and it highlights his strategic thinking about how to navigate the situation. In short: Agrippa believed that Paul’s presence in prison risked him challenging Roman authority, and that Paul was strategically trying to avoid that risk by appealing to Caesar. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like faith, freedom, or obedience)?