Bible Commentary

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: 10 21. St Paul’s answer to the charge 10. Then Paul, &c.] When the governor had given him … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:10”

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. 9. And the Jews also assented ] [ Rev. Ver. joined in the charge.] The verb implies much more than assent. They made common cause with their representative, and by their own language reiterated the accusation. saying ( R. V. affirming) that these things … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:9”

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. 8. commanding his accusers to come unto thee ] Which Lysias had not done till Paul was removed beyond reach of pursuit. by examining of whom ] In the A. V. the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:8”

But the chief captain Lysias came [upon us,] and with great violence took [him] away out of our hands, 7. But the chief captain Lysias ] If this verse be an interpolation, it differs from others in the Acts very greatly. In other parts of the book such insertions have merely been made to bring … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:7”

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. 6. who also hath gone about [ who moreover assayed R. V. ] to profane the temple ] The old English “gone about” was equivalent to “attempted.” Cp. Shaks. Mids. Nt. D. iv. 1. 212: … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:6”

For we have found this man [a] pestilent [fellow,] and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 5. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow ] The Greek literally says “a pestilence.” The same word in the plural is translated … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:5”

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. 4. be not tedious ] The notion in the verb is that of stopping a person’s way and so hindering him. Tertullus would imply that Felix was so deeply engaged in his … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:4”

We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 3. we accept it always [Better, in all ways ] and in all places ] The word rendered “in all ways” is only found here in N. T. and does not mean “always.” Some would join “in all ways and in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:3”

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, 2. And when he was called forth ] There is nothing in the original to represent “forth” which is consequently omitted by … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:2”

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. Act 24:1-9. Arrival of the Accusers. Speech of Tertullus, their advocate 1. And after five days ] Most naturally this means after St Paul’s arrival in Csarea, and the events … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:1”