Acts 24
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
After five days - These days are to be reckoned from the time in which Paul was apprehended at Jerusalem, and twelve days after he had arrived in that city; see Act 24:11. Calmet reckons the days thus: - St. Luke says that Paul was apprehended at Jerusalem when the seven days of his vow were nearly ended, Act 21:27; that is, at the end of the fifth day after his arrival. The next day, which was the sixth, he was presented before the Sanhedrin. The night following, he was taken to Antipatris. The next day, the seventh, he arrived at Caesarea. Five days afterwards, that is, the twelfth day after his arrival at Jerusalem, the high priest and the elders, with Tertullus, came down to accuse him before Felix. - But see the note on Act 23:32. A certain orator named Tertullus - This was probably a Roman proselyte to Judaism; yet he speaks every where as a Jew. Roman orators, advocates; etc., were found in different provinces of the Roman empire; and they, in general, spoke both the Greek and Latin languages; and, being well acquainted with the Roman laws and customs, were no doubt very useful. Luitprandus supposed that this Tertullus was the same with him who was colleague with Pliny the younger, in the consulate, in the year of Rome, 852; who is mentioned by Pliny, Epist. v. 15. Of this there is no satisfactory proof.
Open source ↗PAUL, ACCUSED BY A PROFESSIONAL PLEADER BEFORE FELIX, MAKES HIS DEFENSE, AND IS REMANDED FOR A FURTHER HEARING. AT A PRIVATE INTERVIEW FELIX TREMBLES UNDER PAUL'S PREACHING, BUT KEEPS HIM PRISONER FOR TWO YEARS, WHEN HE WAS SUCCEEDED BY FESTUS. (Acts 24:1-27) after five days--or, on the fifth day from their departure from Jerusalem. Ananias . . . with the elders--a deputation of the Sanhedrim. a certain orator--one of those Roman advocates who trained themselves for the higher practice of the metropolis by practicing in the provinces, where the Latin language, employed in the courts, was but imperfectly understood and Roman forms were not familiar. informed . . . against Paul--"laid information," that is, put in the charges.
Open source ↗And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders,.... From Jerusalem to Caesarea: these five days are to be reckoned not from the seizing of Paul in the temple, but from his coming to Caesarea; the Alexandrian copy reads, "after some days", leaving it undetermined how many: the high priest, with the elders, the members of the sanhedrim, with "some" of them, as the same copy and the Vulgate Latin version read, came down hither; not merely as accusers, by the order of the chief captain, but willingly, and of their own accord, to vindicate themselves and their people, lest they should fall under the displeasure of the Roman governor, for encouraging tumults and riots: the high priest must be conscious to himself that he had acted in an illegal manner, in ordering Paul to be smitten on the mouth, in the midst of the council, in the presence of the chief captain; and if it had not been for the soldiers, Paul had been pulled to pieces in the council: and the elders knew what a hand they had in the conspiracy against his life; and they were sensible that this plot was discovered, and Paul was secretly conveyed away; and what the captain had wrote to the governor, they could not tell, and therefore made the more haste down to him, to set themselves right, and get Paul condemned: and with a certain orator named Tertullus: this man, by his name, seems to have been a Roman; and because he might know the Roman, or the Greek language, or both, which the Jews did not so well understand, and was very well acquainted with all the forms in the Roman courts of judicature, as well as was an eloquent orator; therefore they pitched upon him, and took him down with them to open and plead their cause. The name Tertullus is a diminutive from Tertius, as Marullus from Mariu…
Open source ↗We must suppose that Lysias, the chief captain, when he had sent away Paul to Caesarea, gave notice to the chief priests, and others that had appeared against Paul, that if they had any thing to accuse him of they must follow him to Caesarea, and there they would find him, and a judge ready to hear them - thinking, perhaps, they would not have given themselves so much trouble; but what will not malice do? I. We have here the cause followed against Paul, and it is vigorously carried on. 1. Here is no time lost, for they are ready for a hearing after five days; all other business is laid aside immediately, to prosecute Paul; so intent are evil men to do evil! Some reckon these five days from Paul's being first seized, and with most probability, for he says here (Act 24:11) that it was but twelve days since he came up to Jerusalem, and he had spent seven in his purifying the temple, so that these five must be reckoned from the last of those. 2. Those who had been his judges do themselves appear here as his prosecutors. Ananias himself the high priest, who had sat to judge him, now stands to inform against him. One would wonder, (1.) That he should thus disparage himself, and forget the dignity of his place. She the high priest turn informer, and leave all his business in the temple at Jerusalem, to go to be called as a prosecutor in Herod's judgment-hall? Justly did God make the priests contemptible and base, when they made themselves so, Mal 2:9. (2.) That he should thus discover himself and his enmity against Paul!. If men of the first rank have a malice against any, they think it policy to employ others against them, and to play least in sight themselves, because of the odium that commonly attends it; but Ananias is not shamed to own himself a sworn enemy to Paul. The e…
Open source ↗24:1-27 Tertullus presented a legal case against Paul in a Roman court on behalf of the high priest (24:1-9). Then Paul cheerfully made his defense and defended his faith (24:10-21), and the governor adjourned the hearing without a decision and left Paul in prison for two years (24:22-27). 24:1-4 Tertullus presented the case for the prosecution, beginning with the customary speech of praise intended to attract the attention and sympathy of the governor, followed by the statement of charges (24:5-8).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… πέντε (pénte, G4002) — "five" ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… Ἀνανίας (Ananías, G367) — Ananias, the name of three Israelites ἀρχιερεύς (archiereús, G749) — the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest καταβαίνω (katabaínō, G2597) — to descend (literally or figuratively) πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ῥήτωρ (rhḗtōr, G4489) — a speaker, i.e. (by implication) a forensic advocate Τέρτυλλος (Tértyllos, G5061) — Tertullus, a Roman ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same ἐμφανίζω (emphanízō, G1718) — to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) Τέρτυλλος (Tértyllos, G5061) — Tertullus, a Roman ἄρχομαι (árchomai, G756) — to commence (in order of time) κατηγορέω (katēgoréō, G2723) — to be a plaintiff, i.e. to charge with some offence λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy τυγχάνω (tynchánō, G5177) — akin to the base of G5088 (τίκτω) through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κατόρθωμα (katórthōma, G2735) — something made fully upright, i.e. (figuratively) rectification (specially, good public…
Open source ↗τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) ἀποδέχομαι (apodéchomai, G588) — to take fully, i.e. welcome (persons), approve (things) πάντη (pántē, G3839) — wholly καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πανταχοῦ (pantachoû, G3837) — universally κράτιστος (krátistos, G2903) — strongest, i.e. (in dignity) very honorable Φῆλιξ (Phēlix, G5344) — happy; Phelix (i.e. Felix), a Roman μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole εὐχαριστία (eucharistía, G2169) — gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not πλείων (pleíōn, G4119) — more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō, G1465) — to cut into, i.e. (figuratively) impede, detain σέ (sé, G4571) — thee παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us σός (sós, G4674) — thine ἐπιείκεια (epieíkeia, G1932) — suitableness, i.e. (by implication) equity, mildness συντόμως (syntómōs, G4935) — concisely (briefly)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) τοῦτον (toûton, G5126) — this (person, as objective of verb or preposition) ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) λοιμός (loimós, G3061) — a plague (literally, the disease, or figuratively, a pest) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κινέω (kinéō, G2795) — to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively στάσις (stásis, G4714) — a standing (properly, the act), i.e. (by analogy) position (existence); by implication, a… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… οἰκουμένη (oikouménē, G3625) — land, i.e. the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the Roman empire τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) πρωτοστάτης (prōtostátēs, G4414) — one standing first in the ranks, i.e. a captain (champion)
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πειράζω (peirázō, G3985) — to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline βεβηλόω (bebēlóō, G953) — to desecrate ἱερόν (hierón, G2411) — a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas G3485 (ναός) denotes the central… κρατέω (kratéō, G2902) — to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively) θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ἡμέτερος (hēméteros, G2251) — our νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. χιλίαρχος (chilíarchos, G5506) — the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e. colonel Λυσίας (Lysías, G3079) — Lysias, a Roman παρέρχομαι (parérchomai, G3928) — to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish… μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… βία (bía, G970) — force ἀπάγω (apágō, G520) — to take off (in various senses) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or…
Open source ↗κελεύω (keleúō, G2753) — "hail"; to incite by word, i.e. order αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… κατήγορος (katḗgoros, G2725) — against one in the assembly, i.e. a complainant at law; specially, Satan ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… σέ (sé, G4571) — thee ἀνακρίνω (anakrínō, G350) — properly, to scrutinize, i.e. (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginṓskō, G1921) — to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with,… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole τούτων (toútōn, G5130) — of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… συντίθεμαι (syntíthemai, G4934) — to place jointly, i.e. (figuratively) to consent (bargain, stipulate), concur φάσκω (pháskō, G5335) — to assert ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… ἡγεμών (hēgemṓn, G2232) — a leader, i.e. chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province νεύω (neúō, G3506) — to "nod", i.e. (by analogy), signal αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrínomai, G611) — to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare H06030)… ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai, G1987) — to put the mind upon, i.e. comprehend, or be acquainted with σέ (sé, G4571) — thee ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἔτος (étos, G2094) — a year κριτής (kritḗs, G2923) — a judge (genitive case or specially)
Open source ↗σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not δεκαδύο (dekadýo, G1177) — two and ten, i.e. twelve ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… πλείων (pleíōn, G4119) — more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that μοί (moí, G3427) — to me ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὔτε (oúte, G3777) — not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) μέ (mé, G3165) — me ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἱερόν (hierón, G2411) — a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas G3485 (ναός) denotes the central… διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, G1256) — to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than ἐπισύστασις (episýstasis, G1999) — a conspiracy, i.e. concourse (riotous or friendly) ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ὄχλος (óchlos, G3793) — a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people;… συναγωγή (synagōgḗ, G4864) — an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by…
Open source ↗οὔτε (oúte, G3777) — not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible παρίστημι (parístēmi, G3936) — to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend,… μέ (mé, G3165) — me περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that κατηγορέω (katēgoréō, G2723) — to be a plaintiff, i.e. to charge with some offence νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ὁμολογέω (homologéō, G3670) — to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ὁδός (hodós, G3598) — a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… αἵρεσις (haíresis, G139) — properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) λατρεύω (latreúō, G3000) — to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πατρῷος (patrōios, G3971) — paternal, i.e. hereditary
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.
You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,
Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”
When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also instructed his accusers to present their case against him before you.
he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.
where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus
For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people.
the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.