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Acts 24:2
ESV And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation,
NIV When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation.
NASB After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began accusing him, saying to the governor, 'Since we have attained great peace through you, and since reforms are being carried out for this nation by your foresight,
CSB When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: "We enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation because of your foresight.
NLT When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor: 'You have provided a long period of peace for us Jews and with foresight have enacted reforms for us.
KJV 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,
NKJV And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight,

What does Acts 24:2 mean?

Tertullus is a lawyer hired by the Sanhedrin to bring their accusations against Paul before Governor Felix. Tertullus (Acts 24:2–8) follows the proper customs for Roman court arguments, including insincere flattery and promise of a short speech (Acts 24:4).

Nothing more is known about Tertullus. He is not the Christian theologian Tertullian, born a century later. The Sanhedrin needs him because they want to be sure to present their case effectively. Paul has been a nuisance since he went to Damascus to arrest Jesus-followers and returned as a Jesus-follower, himself. Though Paul spent little time in Jerusalem since then, the Sanhedrin would have heard about him from other Jews who came to Jerusalem for the feasts.

Governor Marcus Antonius Felix had once been a slave; historians suggest this experience inspired his cruelty. Claudius Caesar made him governor from about AD 52 to 58. In two years, after continual complaints to Caesar from the people of Caesarea, Nero will replace Felix with Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27).

The "peace" Felix kept due to his "foresight" was earned by viciously stamping down insurrections. Even the priesthood lived in turmoil as the seniors harassed the juniors. Since Paul "stirs up riots…throughout the world" (Acts 24:5), Tertullus subtly argues he should stamp out Paul, as well. Paul counters that he'd only been in Jerusalem for around one week—not nearly long enough to start a riot. He counters that the charges are unfounded; it's all a misunderstanding about his belief in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 24:11–21).
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