Acts 24:10

Then Paul. Paul’s defense is a categorical denial of the charge brought against him (see vs. 12, 13). He makes four points: (1) He had come to Jerusalem to worship, and to bring “alms” and “offerings” (vs. 11, 17). (2) He had made no disturbance (vs. 12, 18). (3) He challenges his accusers to prove their accusations by producing witnesses (vs. 13, 19). (4) He insists that his only offense is obeying God and His law, and believing in the resurrection (vs. 14, 15, 21). The first half of his defense is evidently a general statement (vs. 11-16); and the last half a detailed repetition of the points made in that statement (vs. 16-21). The proceedings were probably conducted in Greek. If Paul had spoken in Latin, Luke would doubtless have noted it, as he did when Paul used Hebrew (ch. 21:40).

Many years a judge. Felix had probably been procurator some six or eight years by this time, longer than most of the procurators of Judea (see Vol. V, p. 70). Besides serving his own term as governor, Felix probably had been for some time joint procurator with Cumanus (Tacitus Annals xii. 54).

Answer. Gr. apologeomai, “to make one’s defense.” Paul “cheerfully” assumes that Felix is worthy of his trust. He knew, also, that Felix understood Jewish ways. But his courage was based on the abiding pledge of divine protection (ch. 23:11).