Acts 24 4

Acts 24:4 kjv

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

Acts 24:4 nkjv

Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us.

Acts 24:4 niv

But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

Acts 24:4 esv

But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.

Acts 24:4 nlt

But I don't want to bore you, so please give me your attention for only a moment.

Acts 24 verses

Acts 24 4 Meaning

This verse is part of Paul's defense before Felix the governor. Ananias the high priest and some elders accuse Paul of being a "pestilent fellow" and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and of attempting to desecrate the temple. The statement essentially relays these accusations as a summary of their charges against Paul.

Acts 24 4 Context

In Acts chapter 24, the Apostle Paul is on trial before Felix, the Roman governor of Judea. The accusers are Ananias the high priest, certain elders, and Tertullus, an orator who presents the case for the prosecution. Tertullus's speech, as recorded in verses 1-9, is a mix of flattery towards Felix and venomous accusations against Paul. Verse 4 is Tertullus's summarizing statement of the charges he has just presented. The overall context is a legal proceeding where Paul is defending himself against accusations of sedition, heresy, and sacrilege brought by Jewish leaders who oppose the spread of Christianity. This scene takes place in Caesarea.

Acts 24 4 Word analysis

• "For" (γάρ - gar): A conjunction indicating that what follows is the reason or basis for the previous statement. Here, it connects Tertullus's claim to be a more "exact" declaration of truth with the content of his accusation.
• "we" (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Pronoun referring to the Jewish leadership, specifically the accusers present (Ananias, elders). It signifies their collective voice and representation of Jewish opposition to Paul.
• "have found" (εὕρηκαμεν - heurēkamen): Perfect tense, suggesting a conclusion reached after diligent searching or observation. It implies that their accusation is based on perceived evidence or ongoing experience with Paul.
• "this man" (τοῦτον - touton): A demonstrative pronoun, pointing directly at Paul, emphasizing him as the specific subject of their complaint.
• "a pestilent fellow" (λοιμὸν ἄνθρωπον - loimon anthrōpon):
  • λοιμὸν (loimon): Adjective meaning "plague-bearing," "pestilential," or "a plague." Metaphorically, it denotes someone who is a source of trouble, disturbance, or corruption. This is a strong, inflammatory term intended to discredit Paul.
  • ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon): Means "man" or "human being."The combination is a severe accusation, portraying Paul as a dangerous and corrupting influence within society.
• "and" (καί - kai): A coordinating conjunction, joining the charges together.
• "a mover of sedition" (στάσεως ποιητὴν - staseōs poiētēn):
  • στάσεως (staseōs): Noun meaning "sedition," "uprising," "division," or "rebellion." In the Roman context, this was a serious political charge, as the Roman authorities maintained order rigorously.
  • ποιητὴν (poiētēn): Noun meaning "maker," "doer," or "instigator."This phrase accuses Paul of actively inciting rebellion or unrest.
• "among all the Jews" (εἰς ἅπασαν τὴν οἰκουμένην τῶν Ἰουδαίων - eis'). This part of the phrase has been re-interpreted in some manuscripts, possibly influenced by common expressions or earlier textual variations. The common understanding in English translations (based on the Textus Receptus) is often rendered as "throughout the world" or similar, referring to the widespread nature of the perceived sedition. However, more critical editions and understandings of the Greek text for "among all the Jews throughout the world" (εἰς ἅπασαν τὴν οἰκουμένην τῶν Ἰουδαίων - eis pasasan tēn oikoumenēn tōn Ioudaiōn) suggest an even broader accusation – that Paul's influence causing division extends to Jews globally. The word "oikoumenēn" (οἰκουμένην) refers to the inhabited earth, or the world. This amplified the accusation significantly.
• "and" (καί - kai): Another conjunction linking the charges.
• "a ringleader" (ἀρχηγὸν - archēgon): Noun meaning "ruler," "chief," "leader," or "originator." It implies that Paul is not just a follower but a prime instigator or commander of this group.
• "of the sect of the Nazarenes" (τῆς τῶν Ναζωραίων αἱρέσεως - tēs tōn Nazōraiōn hairesis):
  • τῆς (tēs): Definite article.
  • τῶν Ναζωραίων (tōn Nazōraiōn): Genitive plural of "Nazarene," referring to followers of Jesus of Nazareth. It was a somewhat derogatory term used by outsiders, often Jews hostile to Christianity.
  • αἱρέσεως (hairesis): Noun meaning "sect," "school of thought," or "heresy." In this context, it signifies a dissenting religious faction. Using "haireseōs" for the followers of Jesus suggests they are a divisive, heretical group according to the accusers.

Word Group Analysis

• "a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes": This entire phrase represents the core of the accusation presented by Tertullus. It's designed to portray Paul as a dangerous, disruptive force.
  • "Pestilent fellow" and "mover of sedition" are politically charged terms, aimed at alarming Felix, who was responsible for maintaining order under Roman rule.
  • "Ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" is a religious charge, identifying Paul as the leader of a group considered heretical by mainstream Judaism. The accusation of being spread "among all the Jews throughout the world" inflates the perceived scope of Paul's alleged disruptive influence. This paints Paul not just as a local troublemaker, but as a universal destabilizing agent against Jewish unity.

Acts 24 4 Bonus Section

The accusers carefully selected Tertullus to present their case, indicating they sought a skilled orator capable of swaying Felix. His words reveal a blend of genuine hostility and strategic manipulation, typical of political and religious opposition in that era. The term "sect of the Nazarenes" was likely used derisively, contrasting with Paul's understanding of Christianity as the fulfillment of Jewish hope, not a mere sect. The scale of the accusation – reaching "all the Jews throughout the world" – is hyperbole, aiming to magnify Paul's influence and the threat he posed to the establishment, implying a threat to Jewish unity and peace with Rome.

Acts 24 4 Commentary

Tertullus, as an appointed advocate, employed a typical rhetorical strategy of the time: flattery followed by accusation. The language used – "pestilent fellow," "mover of sedition," "ringleader of the sect" – is inflammatory and designed to provoke a negative reaction from Felix. The charge of "sedition" was particularly potent because it invoked the Roman authority and threatened their stability. Labeling the followers of Jesus as "the sect of the Nazarenes" diminished their standing and presented them as a deviation from normative Judaism. The accusation that Paul was causing sedition "among all the Jews throughout the world" amplified the perceived threat, suggesting a universal Jewish rebellion instigated by Paul. Paul's response, in the subsequent verses (verses 10-21), calmly refutes these charges by presenting his own conduct and beliefs. The dramatic language of the accusers contrasts sharply with Paul's measured defense, highlighting the malicious intent behind their prosecution. This demonstrates the significant opposition and vilification faced by early Christians, who were often perceived as disruptive elements by both religious and political authorities.