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Acts 24:10

in Acts 24

When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

BSB

The same verse in ASV and KJV ▾

ASV

And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence:

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:

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This verse in Acts 24

Commentary

8 notes on this verse

A commentator

Adam Clarke

1762–1832

Commentary on the Bible · Written before 1832.

Then Paul - answered - The apostle’s defense consists of two parts: - 1. The exordium, which has for its object the praise of his judge, whose qualifications to discern and decide on a question of this nature he fully allows; and expects, from this circumstance, to have a favorable hearing. 2. The tractation, which consists of two parts: I. Refutation: 1. of the charge of polluting the temple; 2. of stirring up sedition; 3. of being a leader of any sect who had a different worship from the God of their fathers. II.

This site's exposition

you have been a judge

on Acts 24:10-11

Paul opens with courtesy before a man who has been a judge over this nation for many years. His first point is narrow and open to checking, that no more than twelve days ago he went up to Jerusalem to worship.

The record, by era

The Church Fathers2 voices

A commentator

Cassiodorus

Complexiones on the Acts of the Apostles · Written before 585.

proposed

"Then Paul answered (the governor making a sign to him), saying." When the orator Tertullus had made the claims he wanted, Paul, after first saying things that might win him the goodwill of the judge, responded thus: when he had come to Jerusalem following the …

A commentator

John Chrysostom

Homily on Acts 50 · Written before 407.

proposed

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 just judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself. This is not the language of flattery, his testifying to the judge's justice: no, the adulation was rather in that speech of the orator, By thee we enjoy great quietness. If so, then why are ye seditious? What Paul sought was justice. Knowing thee to be a just judge, I cheerfully, says he, answer for myself. Then also he enforces this by the length of time: that he had been judge of many years. Why then, he is no stranger or alien or revolutionary person, seeing he had known the judge for many years. And he does well to add the epithet just, that he Felix might not look to the chief priest, nor to the people, nor the accuser. See, how he did not let himself be carried away into abuse, although there was strong provocation.

The Puritans and the Awakening3 voices

A commentator

John Wesley

1703–1791

Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)

proposed

As to the second, he confesses himself to be a Christian; but maintains this to be a religion perfectly agreeable to the law and the prophets, and therefore deserving a fair reception, ver. 14, 16.

quarantine:anchor (2026-07-29) — cites-ver-14-anchored-10-10

Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,....

A commentator

Matthew Henry

1662–1714

Commentary on the Whole Bible (1710)

proposed

Now he would have him to understand (and what he said he was ready, if required, to make out by witnesses), 1. That he came up to Jerusalem on purpose to worship God in peace and holiness, so far was he from any design to move sedition among the people or to profane the temple.
1 more voice on this verse

The Nineteenth Century1 voice

Had beckoned unto him to speak - Either by a nod or by the hand, Hast been of many years - Felix and Cumanus had been joint governors of Judea; but after Cumanus had been condemned for his bad administration of affairs, the government fell entirely into the hands of Felix. This was about seven years before Paul was arraigned, and might be called many years, as he had been long enough there to become acquainted with the customs and habits of the Jews; and it might also be called long in comparison with the short time which his immediate predecessors had held the office. See Josephus, Antiq., book 20, chapters 7 and 7. A judge - This word is evidently used here in the sense of magistrate, or one appointed to administer the affairs of government. To determine litigated matters was, however, one part of his office. It is remarkable that Paul did not begin his speech, as Tertullus had done, by any flattering address, or by any of the arts of rhetoric. He founded his plea on the justice of his cause, and on the fact that Felix had had so much experience in the affairs of Judea that he was well qualified to understand the merits of the case, and to judge impartially. Paul was well acquainted with his character (see the notes on Act 24:25), and would not by flattering words declare what was not strictly true. I do the more cheerfully ... - Since you are so well acquainted with the customs and habits of the Jews, I the more readily submit the case to your disposal. This address indicated great confidence in the justice of his cause, and was the language of a man bold, fearless, and conscious of innocence.

The words behind it

24 Greek words

Every Greek word of this verse in the order it stands, with what it means and the door to its own study. The last column counts the times a word stands in the whole Bible: the rarer the word, the more the places it appears belong together.

A shaded row is a word that stands 400 times or fewer in the Bible.

Related verses

16 in all, six open

The number beside each verse is how many compiled reference works tie it to this one. The strongest six stand open.

Acts 23:24Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”5 works1 Peter 3:15But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,4 works1 Samuel 2:25If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.3 worksActs 23:35he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.3 worksLuke 18:2“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men.2 worksActs 19:33The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.2 works
The other 10 cross-references, with their words ▾
Luke 12:14But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?”2 worksActs 18:15But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.”2 worksActs 13:16Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!2 worksActs 26:1Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:2 worksActs 12:17Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.2 worksActs 22:1“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”2 worksActs 24:22Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.”2 worksActs 26:3especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.2 worksActs 28:18They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.2 worksActs 21:40Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:1 works

The walk

8 stops

Each card is a verse this one points to, and under it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it.

  • Through

    1 Peter 3:15

    But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and…

    it leads to

    • Colossians 4:6

      Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

    • 2 Timothy 2:25–26

      He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

    • Luke 21:14–15

      So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.

    • 1 Peter 3:2

      when they see your pure and reverent demeanor.

    • Matthew 10:18–20

      On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

  • Through

    1 Samuel 2:25

    If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since…

    it leads to

    • Hebrews 10:26

      If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,

    • 1 Samuel 3:14

      Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, ‘The iniquity of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”

    • Joshua 11:20

      For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD…

Where this verse is studied

On this page

Studies1

About Acts

The Pentecost, El Greco, about 1600, Museo del Prado. Public domain.
The Pentecost, El Greco, about 1600, Museo del Prado. Public domain.
Acts: the study guide →Read Acts 24 →
This page draws on 9 works. Open the list of works

This page draws on Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Bible; Albert Barnes, Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869); Cassiodorus, Complexiones on the Acts of the Apostles; J. A. Alexander, The Acts of the Apostles Explained; John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles; John Chrysostom, Homily on Acts 50; John Gill, Exposition of the New Testament (1746-1748); John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible.

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