Acts 24:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,

NIV: Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—

NASB: Or else have these men themselves declare what violation they discovered when I stood before the Council,

CSB: Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

NLT: Ask these men here what crime the Jewish high council found me guilty of,

KJV: Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

NKJV: Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council,

Representatives of the Sanhedrin are putting themselves at legal risk and may not know it. They are accusing Paul of inciting riots, leading an unauthorized religion, and trying to profane a religious structure, all of which were serious crimes according to the Roman law (Acts 24:5–6). However, Christianity had protected status as a branch of Judaism. The witnesses who claimed Paul desecrated the temple aren't at the trial (Acts 21:27–30; 24:18–19). Lastly, the only "riot" Paul intentionally caused was a fight within the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:6–10).

The Sanhedrin is falsely accusing a Roman citizen of crimes against the state. Under Roman law, any male Roman citizen could accuse someone of a crime and seek prosecution. The members of the Sanhedrin are most likely not citizens, although Tertullus, their spokesman, may be (Acts 24:1). But if the accusers are convicted of making a false accusation, the judge can sentence them to the same punishment their intended victim would have received. It would be interesting to know if Tertullus knew how weak the evidence was when he took the job.

Paul finishes his defense with an admission. When he stood before the Sanhedrin, he did cry out, "It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial" (Acts 23:6; 24:21). Because of that statement, the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, flew into turmoil and the Pharisees, who accept the resurrection, came to Paul's defense. The two groups fell to fighting. Perhaps it can be said that Paul's words inspired a riot, but the actual rioters are his accusers.

Acts 24:10–21 is Paul's defense against the Sanhedrin's testimony before Governor Felix. The Sanhedrin's lawyer has accused Paul of starting riots and trying to profane the temple (Acts 24:5–6). Paul points out they have no proof and no witnesses. The issue is about the fact that he follows Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and believes in the resurrection of the dead. Felix, who knows quite a bit about Christianity, understands, but he doesn't want to upset the Jewish leaders, so he keeps Paul in custody for the remainder of his term (Acts 24:27).

Acts 24 covers Paul's trial before Governor Felix. The Sanhedrin claim he is a menace and a cult leader who tried to desecrate the temple. Paul explains the real conflict: he believes in the resurrection of the dead and the Sadducees don't. Felix knows the charges are spurious but doesn't want to upset Jewish leaders. He holds Paul under house arrest, hoping Paul will offer him money and make the inconvenience worth his while.

Acts 24 is a transition period for Paul from freedom to captivity. For several years, he has traveled around Judea, Syria, modern-day Turkey, Macedonia, and Greece, spreading the good news about Jesus' offer of salvation. Through a series of misunderstandings and outright lies, he is now in custody in Caesarea Maritima. He will remain there for two years before demanding his case be sent to Caesar (Acts 25:11). Once he arrives in Rome, he will spend another two years in custody (Acts 28:30). Despite his confinement, his message will reach a king and the household of Nero.

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.