Acts 24:2 - Printer Friendly

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,

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).

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.