Acts 24 10

Acts 24:10 kjv

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

Acts 24:10 nkjv

Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: "Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself,

Acts 24:10 niv

When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.

Acts 24:10 esv

And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.

Acts 24:10 nlt

The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, "I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you.

Acts 24 verses

Acts 24 10 Meaning

In Acts 24:10, Paul initiates his defense before Governor Felix. He opens by acknowledging Felix's extensive tenure and experience as a judge over the Jewish nation, a strategic and respectful overture. This recognition forms the basis for Paul's assertion that he is prepared and even joyful to present his case, trusting that Felix, given his knowledge of Jewish affairs, is well-equipped to understand the nuances of the charges against him. It highlights Paul's confidence in his innocence and the truth of his message, even in challenging circumstances.

Acts 24 10 Context

Acts chapter 24 details Paul's trial before Governor Antonius Felix in Caesarea. Following his arrest in Jerusalem due to false accusations, Paul was transported to Caesarea for his safety and trial. His accusers—the high priest Ananias and some elders, along with Tertullus, a professional orator—traveled from Jerusalem to present their case. In the preceding verses (Acts 24:1-9), Tertullus delivers a highly flattering, yet accusatory, speech, charging Paul with being a pestilent fellow, stirring up insurrections among the Jews, and attempting to profane the temple, identifying him as a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. After Tertullus concludes and the Jews assent to the accusations, Governor Felix gestures for Paul to make his defense, which is introduced in verse 10. The historical context involves Roman rule over Judea, where governors held both administrative and judicial power. Felix himself was known for his corrupt and often violent rule, but he also had a considerable understanding of Jewish customs and disputes, and perhaps some familiarity with the nascent Christian movement through his Jewish wife Drusilla. Paul's strategic opening seeks to capitalize on this experience for a fairer hearing.

Acts 24 10 Word analysis

• Then Paul, (ὁ δὲ Παῦλος, ho de Paulos): "De" is a common Greek particle signaling a transition, here from Tertullus's accusations to Paul's response. It simply introduces Paul as the new speaker, ready to present his side.

• when the governor (τοῦ ἡγεμόνος, tou hēgemonos): Refers to Antonius Felix. Hēgemōn signifies "leader, commander, governor," emphasizing his official, Roman authority and judicial power in the province of Judea.

• had signaled (νεύσαντος, neúsantos): From neuō, meaning "to nod, beckon, give a sign." This indicates a non-verbal, authoritative command from Felix, giving Paul permission to speak. It marks the formal opening of Paul's defense phase in the Roman court.

• to him to speak (αὐτῷ λέγειν, autō legein): Direct permission given to Paul to articulate his defense.

• answered (ἀπελογεῖτο, apologeito): Imperfect tense of apologeomai, "to make a defense, to apologize." This is the verbal root for "apologia," signifying a formal, reasoned defense against accusations, not an apology in the modern sense. The imperfect tense suggests he "began to defend himself" or "was making his defense."

• Knowing (ἐπίσταμαι, epístamai): Implies not just simple knowledge but an understanding gained through experience or observation. Paul recognizes Felix's tenure and its implications. It sets up a common ground based on Felix's competence in local affairs.

• that for many years (ἐκ πολλῶν ἐτῶν, ek pollōn etōn): "From many years." Historical sources indicate Felix had been governor, or procurator, of Judea for a significant period, potentially around six to eight years, though estimates vary. This long tenure meant deep exposure to Jewish disputes.

• you have been a judge (ὄντα σε κριτὴν, onta se kritēn): Kritēs means "judge, arbiter." As governor, Felix's role encompassed presiding over legal cases. Paul acknowledges this judicial function, establishing Felix's authority in the court.

• over this nation (τῷ ἔθνει τούτῳ, tō éthnei toutō): "This nation" refers to the Jewish people. This is key, as Paul's case largely involves Jewish law and customs. By highlighting Felix's long experience with this nation's specific issues, Paul implies Felix possesses the necessary background to understand the real nature of the accusations.

• I cheerfully make my defense (εὐθυμότερον τὰ περὶ ἐμαυτοῦ ἀπολογοῦμαι, euthymóteron ta peri emautoú apologoúmai):

  • Euthymóteron is a comparative adverb meaning "more cheerfully," "with more good courage," or "with better heart." It is a strong statement of Paul's inner state. It's not defiance, but confident readiness, possibly suggesting his defense will be more earnest and direct precisely because Felix is an experienced judge who would not be swayed by mere rhetoric.
  • Ta peri emautou means "the things concerning myself," referring to the specific charges brought against him.
  • Apologoumai (I make my defense) reinforces his act of formal vindication.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Then Paul, when the governor had signaled to him to speak": This phrase establishes the authority dynamic. Felix, the Roman power, grants Paul the opportunity to speak. It underscores Paul's submission to the process while positioning him as an authorized respondent rather than an unbridled protester.
  • "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation": This is Paul's opening rhetorical move, a "captatio benevolentiae" (a securing of goodwill). It's a respectful acknowledgment, perhaps bordering on astute flattery, that strategically asserts Felix's unique qualification to judge a case so deeply embedded in Jewish religious and communal life. Paul isn't merely praising Felix, but setting the stage for Felix to exercise an informed judgment, appealing to the governor's experience. This subtly contrasts with Tertullus's blanket flattery earlier (Acts 24:2-3).
  • "I cheerfully make my defense": This phrase reveals Paul's confident and resolute demeanor. His cheerfulness is born of his conviction in the truth and his trust in God's providence, not from naiveté. He is ready, even eager, to face the charges because he knows his cause is just and divinely appointed, seeing this as an opportunity to proclaim the gospel before high authorities. It conveys an inner peace and a strategic assertiveness.

Acts 24 10 Bonus section

• Felix's long tenure in Judea, while providing him with extensive knowledge of Jewish life and law, did not make him an impartial judge. His character was marked by corruption, venality, and often cruelty. Josephus, the Jewish historian, details Felix's tumultuous governorship. This background makes Paul's respectful yet strategic opening all the more noteworthy, as it aims to appeal to the experienced judge rather than merely to a corrupt official.
• The "sect of the Nazarenes," as Tertullus labeled Christianity, was a key accusation against Paul. Paul’s defense often revolved around demonstrating that Christianity was not a new, rebellious cult, but rather the legitimate fulfillment of Old Testament promises and a continuation of the true Israel, thereby operating within existing Jewish religious framework, and thus not a threat to Roman law. Paul's appeal to Felix's understanding of "this nation" prepares for this line of argument.
• Paul's defense is not a passive acceptance of his fate but an active participation in his divine calling to testify for Christ "before governors and kings" (Matt 10:18). His cheerful defense is a demonstration of obedience and a willingness to leverage every opportunity for the gospel.

Acts 24 10 Commentary

Acts 24:10 is the deliberate, strategic, and faithful opening to Paul's defense. Paul, a skilled rhetorician, uses an established practice of respectful address towards an authority, known as captatio benevolentiae, not to simply flatter Felix, but to anchor his appeal in Felix's long-standing practical knowledge of Jewish affairs. This nuanced approach suggests that Felix, unlike an uninformed judge, would be able to discern the trivial, religiously motivated nature of the Jewish accusations from genuine Roman sedition.

Paul's "cheerful" disposition is a testament to his inner strength and conviction. Faced with serious, potentially life-threatening charges, his cheerfulness signals not complacency, but confidence rooted in his conscience and faith. It suggests he trusts that truth will prevail, possibly through divine intervention (recalling Acts 23:11). This calmness also serves as a stark contrast to the aggressive and flippant tone of his accusers, lending credibility and sincerity to Paul's subsequent arguments. It sets the tone for a defense that is factual, rational, and centered on his faithfulness to God and his countrymen, rather than a desperate plea.

• Example: Paul models how believers, when unjustly accused, can engage with secular authorities with respect, wisdom, and inner peace. His cheerful readiness is a powerful witness to faith that transcends circumstances. It’s an example of speaking truth in love while being ready for persecution, drawing from God’s strength.