Acts 24:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

NIV: "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect

NASB: For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

CSB: For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

NLT: We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes.

KJV: 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:

NKJV: For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

Tertullus, a lawyer hired by the Sanhedrin, is trying to convince Governor Felix that Paul is a danger to the Roman Empire. "Plague" is the Greek word for "pestilence." The slang infers a public nuisance with an edge of treasonous intent.

The charge of stirring up riots is an interesting one. The only riot Paul has been a part of in Felix's jurisdiction was about a week prior. Jews from the province of Asia in southwestern modern-day Turkey thought Paul had brought a Gentile to the temple. In response, they grabbed him, dragged him to the courtyard, and beat him. Many other Jews joined in, although they didn't know who Paul was or what he had supposedly done (Acts 21:27–34). So, Paul "stirred up a riot" by peacefully going to the temple and letting himself be attacked by a mob.

Tertullus, however, claims that Paul stirs up riots "throughout the world," meaning, throughout the Roman Empire. Those same Asian Jews probably knew of an event that occurred in Ephesus a few months before. Paul's message of forgiveness and healing was so popular in Ephesus that a great number of magicians burned their books. So many Artemis-worshipers turned to Jesus that the idol-makers started a protest that nearly turned into a riot (Acts 19:11–41).

In other cases, however, Paul's ministry did result in disturbances among the Jewish population (Acts 13:44–52; 14:1–2, 19–20; 17:1–9, 13–14; 18:12–17). This was due to his attempts to get the Jews to see Jesus was the fulfillment of Judaism, not any treason against the emperor. None of these events occurred in Felix's jurisdiction, and the Asian Jews aren't at the trial to give their testimony (Acts 24:18–19). Further, Felix, who has "a rather accurate knowledge of the Way" (Acts 24:22), knows the "Nazarenes" are a sect of Judaism that follows Jesus of Nazareth and isn't a great threat to him or the Roman Empire.

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.