26:32a–b

This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar: Paul appealed to Caesar in 25:11. Agrippa described here what might have happened if Paul had not appealed to Caesar. Other ways to translate these words are:

If this man had not appealed to Caesar, you could have freed him.
-or-
We could let this man go free, but he has asked Caesar to hear his case. (New Century Version)

This man could have been released: This clause is passive. Festus could have freed Paul. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊You⌋ could have released this man

released: This refers to allowing the person to leave jail or custody of the authorities. Paul could then leave Caesarea or do as he chose. For example:

set free (New International Version)

appealed to Caesar: Paul called upon Caesar to decide the case against him. See how you translated a similar phrase (“I appeal to Caesar”) in 25:11.

Caesar: See how you translated this word in 25:11.

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