Acts 24:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

NIV: The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

NASB: The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

CSB: The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true.

NLT: Then the other Jews chimed in, declaring that everything Tertullus said was true.

KJV: And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

NKJV: And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.

Tertullus, the Sanhedrin's lawyer, has presented his case against Paul in the court of Governor Felix. Paul is accused of being a "plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple" (Acts 24:5–6).

Now, the "Jews" affirm Tertullus's claims. "Jews" in these New Testament contexts usually means Jewish religious leaders. Here, it means the high priest Ananias and the elders who came with him (Acts 24:1).

It is true that Paul was involved in a melee in Jerusalem, but not because he initiated it. He was attacked by a mob when falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple. Paul's words in Acts 24:18–21 seem to suggest that none of these Jews were at the temple when the riot occurred (Acts 21:27–36). They only know what happened the next morning when Lysias brought Paul to the Sanhedrin (Acts 22:30–23:11). That means that the chief priest and the elders of the Sanhedrin are literally breaking the 9th Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16).

After Paul gives his testimony, Felix announces he will wait to render judgment until he receives the testimony of the Roman tribune stationed in Jerusalem (Acts 24:22). The tribune never appears, however. To placate the Jewish leaders and attempt to elicit a bribe from Paul, Felix keeps Paul under house arrest until Felix is replaced by Porcius Festus two years later (Acts 24:27).

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.