Acts 24:2

Called forth. Probably a reference to Paul’s being summoned from his confinement to appear for the hearing.

Began to accuse. Tertullus’ speech, though opening with inordinate flattery, was a speech of accusation. It was the usual thing to begin speeches such as this with flattery (see Cicero De Oratore ii, 80). Luke’s report of the speech (vs. 2-8) is doubtless a brief summary, in which only the high points of the address are preserved.

Great quietness. Literally, “much peace.” During this twilight period of Jewish history Palestine enjoyed anything but peace. Revolt was simmering under the surface, and in seven or eight years this was to break forth in open rebellion (see Vol. V, pp. 70-73). What peace the land enjoyed was a Roman peace, imposed by force of arms. Felix had repeatedly suppressed political messiahs and broken the back of incipient revolts against Roman authority (see Josephus Antiquities xx. 8. 6, 7; War ii. 13. 2 [253]).

Worthy deeds. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “reforms.” According to Tacitus (Annals xii. 54), Felix enjoyed a handsome income from the bandits of Palestine in return for ignoring their activities. It has been said that when Felix suppressed rapine, it was only in order that he might thereby increase his own wealth. For such maladministration he was recalled during the time of Paul’s imprisonment.

Nation. Gr. ethnos, the common term by which the Jews referred to Gentiles. The NT writers usually call the Jews “people,” Gr. laos (see chs. 10:2; 26:17, 23). When ethnos is used by Jews of their own nation it is usually in the presence of, or with respect to, Gentiles (see Luke 7:5; 23:2).

Providence. Gr. pronoia, “forethought,” “provident care.”