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Acts 24

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

What does Acts 24:2 mean?

Explanation

Acts 24:2 speaks about an accusation made by a man named Tertullus against Paul the Apostle.

The verse sets the scene in an adversarial judicial hearing, with Tertullus addressing Felix, the Roman governor of Judea.

Tertullus was likely a professional orator or lawyer hired to present the case against Paul.

Here, he begins with what appears to be flattery, praising Felix for the peace ("great quietness") and beneficial deeds ("very worthy deeds") supposedly brought about by his governance ("thy providence").

This is a strategic opening, likely intended to curry favor with Felix and set a tone of civility and respect before presenting his charges against Paul.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 24 takes place during the time Paul was held captive in Caesarea under Roman authority.

Felix was the governor of Judea from around AD 52-59.

The historical accounts suggest that Felix's rule was marked by cruelty and greed, and he was not particularly known for maintaining peace or justice.

The Book of Acts was written by Luke, and this particular scene occurs when Paul is being accused by Jewish leaders of various offenses, including disturbing the peace and desecrating the temple.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse can be seen as an illustration of the conflict between the early Christian movement and the existing religious and political authorities.

While Tertullus's flattery may seem insincere to some, it also serves to highlight the power dynamics at play, Paul, as a representative of the Christian faith, is at the mercy of Roman civil authority.

Additionally, the verse might be interpreted to reflect on the nature of human justice versus divine justice, or the use of skillful rhetoric in legal and moral debates.

Practical Applications

The verse can teach about the importance of awareness of context in communications and the possible use of flattery or rhetoric in persuasive speech.

For modern readers, it can serve as a caution against manipulation through insincere praise and the importance of discernment when assessing the intentions behind someone's words, particularly in legal or political contexts.

Cross-References

Luke 14:11: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Proverbs 29:5: "A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his feet."
Acts 12:20-22: "And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to focus on include:

"Tertullus" (Τέρτυλλος): The name of the accuser, which is of Roman origin.
"Quietness" (γαλήνης): This word denotes calmness or tranquility and is used to flatter Felix, suggesting an exaggerated state of peace during his rule.
"Worthy deeds" (κατορθωμάτων): This term refers to accomplishments or righteous actions, once again used to ingratiate to Felix.
"Providence" (προνοίᾳ): This suggests foresight or governance, attributing the state of things to Felix's direct influence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The use of flattery in legal proceedings was a common tactic in Greco-Roman culture, where eloquence and oratory skill were highly valued.

Comparatively, in ancient Jewish tradition, honesty and straightforwardness were more emphasized in legal contexts.

This cultural contrast can offer insight into the differing approaches to justice and persuasion.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific study of human behavior and psychology can provide insights into the effectiveness and impact of rhetorical devices like flattery.

Research has shown that while flattery can be an effective persuasive tool, it can also backfire if perceived as manipulative or dishonest, influencing the outcomes in legal proceedings.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have provided insights into this verse.

For instance, John Gill noted that Tertullus's praise of Felix was not in accordance with reality, as Felix was known to be oppressive and corrupt.

Matthew Henry commented on the contrast between the flattery of Tertullus and the plain truth-telling of Paul, highlighting Christian values of sincerity and integrity.

These views coincide in recognizing the political maneuvering at work and the tension between the early Christian church and the Roman Empire.

Acts 24

Acts 24

What does Acts 24:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 24:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?