Acts 24 2

Acts 24:2 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,

Acts 24:2 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,

Acts 24:2 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.

Acts 24:2 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,

Acts 24:2 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.

Acts 24 verses

Acts 24 2 Meaning

Acts 24:2 records the commencement of Tertullus's legal argument against the apostle Paul before Governor Felix. This verse captures Tertullus's opening gambit, an elaborate and insincere display of flattery towards Felix, crediting the governor for supposedly ushering in an era of "great peace" and implementing significant "reforms" beneficial to the Jewish nation. This rhetorical tactic was employed to curry favor with the powerful governor and set a predisposed tone for the accusations that followed against Paul.

Acts 24 2 Context

Acts chapter 24 details the formal trial of Paul before the Roman Governor Antonius Felix in Caesarea. Paul had been sent to Caesarea under Roman guard from Jerusalem due to a conspiracy by Jewish leaders to assassinate him (Acts 23:12-35). This legal proceeding represents the Jewish hierarchy's official attempt to prosecute Paul under Roman law. The high priest Ananias and certain elders, representing the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin), had traveled to Caesarea, bringing with them Tertullus, a professional Roman orator or advocate, to present their case.

Historically, Governor Antonius Felix was known for his oppressive and corrupt rule in Judea. Tacitus, a Roman historian, described him as practicing "all kinds of cruelty and lust, exercising royal power with the disposition of a slave." Josephus also recounted his cruelty and bribery. Knowing Felix's true character makes Tertullus's exaggerated praises in Acts 24:2 not only ironic but a calculated, manipulative strategy to influence a venal judge. The Jewish leaders, in their determination to secure Paul's condemnation, were willing to flatter a ruler they privately despised, highlighting their moral compromise.

Acts 24 2 Word analysis

• And when he was called forth (κληθέντος - klēthentos): This word, literally "having been summoned," refers to Paul's being formally called into the courtroom for the trial to begin. It underscores the legal formality of the process Paul was undergoing.

• Tertullus (Τέρτυλλος - Tertyllos): A Roman advocate or orator hired by the Jewish accusers. His Latin name signifies his professional standing in the Roman legal system, brought in to argue a case, underscoring the legal seriousness with which the Jewish leaders pursued Paul. His profession implies skills in rhetoric and persuasion, which are immediately evident in his opening address.

• began to accuse him (ἤρξατο κατηγορεῖν - ērxato katēgorein): Signifies the commencement of the formal legal indictment. The verb katēgorein specifically means "to accuse" in a legal context, marking the start of the prosecution's case.

• saying (λέγων - legōn): Introduces Tertullus's direct speech, drawing attention to his choice of words and the rhetorical structure of his argument.

• “Since through you (διὰ σοῦ - dia sou): Literally "through you" or "by means of you." This phrase directly attributes agency and causality to Governor Felix. It's a classical rhetorical move, called captatio benevolentiae, designed to secure the judge's goodwill from the very start.

• we enjoy much peace (τυγχάνοντες πολλῆς εἰρήνης - tunchanontes pollēs eirēnēs): The Greek term eirēnēs denotes peace, tranquility, order, and well-being. This claim of "much peace" is highly ironic and factually incorrect given Felix's historical rule, which was marked by frequent unrest, banditry (like the Sicarii), and a high level of crime. This statement is pure, unadulterated flattery, attempting to establish an undeserved positive reputation for Felix.

• and since by your foresight (καὶ διὰ τῆς σῆς προνοίας - kai dia tēs sēs pronoias): Pronoias translates to "forethought," "foresight," "providence," or "prudence." By attributing "foresight" to Felix, Tertullus implies the governor not only reacted to events but skillfully planned and initiated beneficial policies, thereby presenting him as a sagacious and effective ruler, which further highlights the speaker's sycophancy.

• reforms are being made (κατορθωμάτων γινομένων - katorthōmatōn ginomenōn): Katorthōmata means "rectifications," "improvements," "successful reforms," or "noble deeds." This term suggests that beneficial changes and successful acts of governance have been continuously brought about for the good of the Jewish people due to Felix's actions. Like the claim of "peace," this is a gross misrepresentation of Felix’s tenure, which was instead characterized by corruption and mismanagement.

• for this nation (τῷ ἔθνει τούτῳ - tō ethnei toutō): This specifies that the alleged "peace" and "reforms" directly benefit the Jewish people—the accusers’ own community. This is intended to convey to Felix that he is regarded highly by those prosecuting Paul, further reinforcing the impression of widespread Jewish approval of his rule.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, reforms are being made for this nation": This entire phrase encapsulates Tertullus’s strategic flattery ( captatio benevolentiae). It serves as an exaggerated and cynical tribute to Governor Felix. This opening, a rhetorical maneuver common in Roman courts, aims to butter up the judge and dispose him favorably towards the accusers’ side. Given Felix's actual oppressive and corrupt reign, these words highlight the deliberate dishonesty and manipulative tactics of the prosecution, contrasting sharply with the divine standard of truth and justice.

Acts 24 2 Bonus section

• Rhetorical Device: The captatio benevolentiae used by Tertullus was a standard technique taught in schools of rhetoric throughout the Roman Empire. Its effectiveness lay in appealing to the vanity and authority of the judge. Tertullus employs it skillfully here, setting the stage for his subsequent, equally manipulative, accusations against Paul.
• Contrast with Paul's Defense: This exaggerated flattery provides a strong contrast to Paul's own defense later in the chapter (Acts 24:10-21). Paul begins by noting Felix's years of service (a polite, factual statement, not excessive flattery) and proceeds with a direct, honest, and factual account, trusting in the truth of his position rather than manipulative speech. This juxtaposition highlights the ethical difference between the prosecution and Paul's commitment to Christ's way of truth.
• Jewish Leaders' Expediency: The willingness of the Jewish high priest and elders to hire a Roman advocate and resort to such sycophancy underscores their desperation and commitment to remove Paul, even if it meant compromising their religious principles and submitting to the very Roman authority they often resented. This highlights their misplaced zeal and spiritual blindness.

Acts 24 2 Commentary

Acts 24:2 serves as a prime example of cynical rhetoric in a legal setting. Tertullus, acting as the orator for the Jewish accusers, commences his indictment of Paul with lavish and undeserved praise for Governor Felix. This initial flattery regarding "great peace" and "reforms" is a stark contradiction to the known historical reality of Felix's notoriously corrupt and tumultuous rule in Judea. The true peace in Judea was often disrupted by unrest, banditry, and internal strife, exacerbated by Felix's heavy-handed tactics and avarice.

This verse reveals the pragmatic and morally flexible approach of Paul's opponents. They were willing to stoop to extreme flattery, even towards a figure they would otherwise disdain, if it meant achieving their goal of convicting Paul. It implicitly underscores the contrast between worldly justice, often influenced by political expediency, personal gain, and manipulative rhetoric, versus divine justice, which operates on truth and righteousness. For the Christian, this serves as a reminder to be discerning of those who seek power and influence through dishonest means, highlighting the importance of speaking truth rather than relying on flattering speech to achieve ends, as the Apostle Paul later exemplifies in his direct and truthful defense.