This study deals with the background to the trial of Paul as recounted in Acts 21-26. On the basis of a critical analysis of texts from outside the New Testament, it shows that Luke's account essentially reflects the legal situation during the early Principate. As a Roman citizen, the Apostle had the right to appeal to the Emperor against his conviction on the charge of sedition. The author makes an important contribution not only to the discussion of the value of the Acts of the Apostles as a source document, but also to the account of Paul's later life.