Acts 24:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.

NIV: Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.

NASB: we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

CSB: We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude.

NLT: For all of this, Your Excellency, we are very grateful to you.

KJV: We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

NKJV: we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

The lawyer Tertullus is introducing his case in the traditional Roman way: by flattering the judge, Governor Felix. To do so he needs to generously reframe the man's characteristics. Tacitus, a secular historian, describes Felix as a "cruel, licentious, and base" man who brought the land "much peace" (Acts 24:2) through unjust violence.

In a large way, however, Tertullus's words are sincere. They are at court because the Sanhedrin considers Paul an insurrectionist—the exact type of person Felix would normally treat with great prejudice. Further, the Sanhedrin emulated Felix by joining in a plot to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12–15). They unfortunately have much in common.

The Sanhedrin has two significant problems. First, their charges are baseless. Paul is no threat to the Roman Empire, or even their own control over the Jews. Contrary to their accusations, he didn't start an insurrection and he didn't defile a religious structure (Acts 24:5–6). Second, he's a Roman citizen who hasn't broken a Roman law. Felix will hold Paul under house arrest in his compound in Caesarea Maritima for the remainder of his appointment (Acts 24:27), but he has nothing to charge him with, let alone of which to convict or execute him.

Acts 24:1–9 describes an attempt by members of the Sanhedrin to convince Governor Felix to convict Paul of capital offenses. They accuse Paul of inciting mayhem among Jews around the empire and leading a cult. Most damning, they accuse him of desecrating a religious structure. Their words sound condemning until Paul speaks and points out the charges are unfounded and unwitnessed. The truth is these accusers are just angry he believes in the resurrection of the dead.

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.