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Acts 24:2-8

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

2. 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, 3. We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. 5. 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: 6. Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. 7. But the chief captain Lysias came [upon us], and with great violence took [him] away out of our hands, 8. Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

Acts 24:2-8 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 24:2

Theological / Devotional

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.”

By SdaBc