Acts 24 11

Acts 24:11 kjv

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

Acts 24:11 nkjv

because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

Acts 24:11 niv

You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

Acts 24:11 esv

You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,

Acts 24:11 nlt

You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple.

Acts 24 verses

Acts 24 11 Meaning

Acts 24:11 states Paul's concise and verifiable defense before Governor Felix, establishing a clear timeline. Paul declares that it has been no more than twelve days since he arrived in Jerusalem. His explicit purpose for this journey was worship, a lawful and devout act within Jewish custom, directly countering the baseless accusations of sedition and temple profanation brought against him by the Jewish high priests and elders. This short, demonstrable period limits the scope of any alleged wrongdoing, making grand claims of widespread agitation improbable and easily refutable by Felix himself.

Acts 24 11 Context

Acts 24 records Paul's trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea, following his arrest in Jerusalem. This trial resulted from the intense opposition of the Jewish leaders, who, unable to present compelling evidence in Jerusalem, pressed their charges before the Roman authority. The previous chapter details Paul's transfer under Roman guard due to a plot against his life. The setting is Paul's formal defense against the specific accusations brought by Tertullus, a professional rhetorician hired by the High Priest Ananias and the elders (Acts 24:1-8). Tertullus's accusations were serious: that Paul was a "pestilence," an agitator, a ringleader of the Nazarene sect, and attempted to profane the temple. Paul, knowing Felix had a reputation for precise administration (though also for corruption), and also having some familiarity with Jewish affairs due to his prolonged tenure, uses his defense to systematically dismantle these charges with factual, verifiable information. Verse 11 is a pivotal part of this strategy, establishing a short, clear timeline that renders the accusers' sweeping allegations of widespread disturbance highly improbable and exposes their lack of credible proof.

Acts 24 11 Word analysis

• As you can verify (κατανοήσας / katanoēsas and ἐπαληθεύειν / epalētheuein - implied possibility): The Greek original here doesn't have a direct verb for "verify" in this phrase, rather it points to Felix's ability to "ascertain" or "know" the facts. Paul essentially appeals to Felix's investigative capacity. He challenges Felix to look into the matter, implying that the truth is readily available and supports Paul's claim. This demonstrates Paul's confidence in his innocence and the facts.
• that it is no more than (οὐ πλείους / ou pleious): Literally "not more." This strong negation and comparative structure emphasize the strict upper limit of the timeframe. It directly counters any implication that Paul had been in Jerusalem for a longer period, during which he could have orchestrated large-scale disturbances or sedition, as Tertullus implied.
• twelve days (ἡμέραι δώδεκα / hēmerai dōdeka): A remarkably short, specific period. This concrete detail is crucial for Paul's defense. It accounts for his journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:15), a brief period with James and the elders (Acts 21:18), the temple purification vow (Acts 21:26), and his subsequent arrest (Acts 21:27) before being transported to Caesarea (Acts 23:31-35). This short duration undermines the plausibility of Paul being a long-term "agitator" or "ringleader."
• since I went up (ἀφʼ ἧς ἀνέβην / aph hēs anebēn): "Since I went up from." The verb ἀνέβην (anebēn) meaning "went up" or "ascended," is the standard term for traveling to Jerusalem due to its elevated geographical position relative to the surrounding areas, reinforcing the pilgrimage context.
• to Jerusalem (εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα / eis Hierosolyma): The destination specifies the religious capital of Judaism. Paul's presence in this significant city carries religious connotations for Jews and political implications for Rome. His explanation of his purpose is vital given this location.
• to worship (προσκυνήσων / proskynēsōn): This is a future participle, indicating Paul's purpose or intent. He declares his sole reason for being in Jerusalem was a religious, lawful act of veneration and devotion. This stands in stark contrast to Tertullus's charge of "profaning the temple" or causing sedition. It frames Paul's actions as pious, not criminal. The word proskyneo (worship) often involved prostrating oneself before God.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "as you can verify, that it is no more than twelve days": This phrase establishes the central claim and Paul's strategy. He's not just asserting innocence; he's providing verifiable data. This challenges the prosecution to produce their own timeline, which they could not accurately or convincingly do without revealing their false intentions.
• "since I went up to Jerusalem to worship": This clearly states the origin of his recent activities and their honorable intent. By focusing on "worship," Paul positions himself as a devout Jew engaged in traditional, lawful religious duties, rather than a political insurgent or temple desecrator. This specific purpose of worship also implies that his presence in the temple was not for sectarian strife, but for the sacred practices of his ancestral faith, aligning with his continuous demonstration of respect for the Jewish law where possible (Acts 21:20-26).

Acts 24 11 Bonus section

The "twelve days" likely covered Paul's arrival, his initial meeting with James and the elders in Jerusalem (Acts 21:18), the seven days he needed to complete a purification ritual in the temple (Acts 21:26), and then his immediate arrest on the fifth day of the purification rite (Acts 21:27). From his arrest, he was then taken to Caesarea for trial. Felix, being a Roman procurator, would have records or means to verify the time of important Jewish festivals and Paul's approximate arrival, especially if he was with a group of Gentiles as mentioned in Acts 21:29. Paul's reference to verifiable facts demonstrates a confidence rooted in truth, directly contrasting the "noisy clamor" and lack of substance from his accusers (as noted by some scholars). His willingness for the governor to "verify" speaks to the openness and honesty of his conduct, underscoring a key principle for believers to live transparent lives that honor God and can withstand scrutiny (1 Pet 2:12).

Acts 24 11 Commentary

Acts 24:11 serves as a linchpin in Paul's defense before Felix. Rather than directly refute Tertullus's bombastic rhetoric, Paul methodically presents verifiable facts that dismantle the accusations. The declaration of "no more than twelve days" is a factual counterpoint to the vague and exaggerated claims of a widespread agitator. Paul uses this precise timeframe to expose the impossibility of his accusers' narrative; an extended campaign of sedition or systematic temple defilement could not possibly have occurred in such a short period, especially given the continuous surveillance by authorities in Jerusalem. His stated purpose, "to worship," frames his actions within the context of legitimate, devout Jewish practice, fundamentally undermining the charges of temple profanation and sedition against Roman rule. This precise, transparent, and legally sound defense strategy highlights Paul's integrity and places the burden of proof firmly back on his accusers, who lack credible witnesses or evidence for such a brief timeframe.

• Example: Paul establishes an alibi. Imagine being accused of a crime spanning months, but you can prove you only arrived in the city two weeks ago for a family visit. This is the essence of Paul's defense.