They examined me and wanted to release me, since there was no ground in my case for a death sentence.
In context
16When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. 17Three days later he called together the leading men of the Jews, and when they had gathered he said to them: “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was handed over as a prisoner in Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18They examined me and wanted to release me, since there was no ground in my case for a death sentence. 19But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar — not that I had any charge to bring against my own nation. 20That is why I asked to see you and speak with you: it is for the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”