Acts 24:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} after {G3326} five {G4002} days {G2250} Ananias {G367} the high priest {G749} descended {G2597} with {G3326} the elders {G4245}, and {G2532} with a certain {G5100} orator {G4489} named Tertullus {G5061}, who {G3748} informed {G1718} the governor {G2232} against {G2596} Paul {G3972}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After five days, the cohen hagadol Hananyah came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they presented their case against Sha’ul to the governor.

Berean Standard Bible

Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul.

American Standard Version

And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, andwithan orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 24:1 marks the formal commencement of the legal proceedings against the Apostle Paul in Caesarea, the Roman provincial capital. Following his swift transfer from Jerusalem to escape a Jewish assassination plot, this verse details the arrival of his formidable accusers: Ananias the high priest, accompanied by influential elders of the Sanhedrin, and a professional Roman orator named Tertullus. Their presence underscores the gravity and official nature of the charges they were prepared to levy against Paul before Governor Felix, setting the stage for a series of trials that would significantly shape the trajectory of Paul's ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 24:1 immediately follows the dramatic events of [Acts 23](/acts/23 "Acts 23 - Paul's Arrest and Transfer"), where Paul was rescued from a murderous plot by over forty Jewish conspirators in Jerusalem. Under the protective escort of 470 Roman soldiers, Paul was transferred by night to Caesarea, the seat of the Roman procurator Felix. The previous chapter concludes with Paul's safe arrival and Felix's promise to hear his case once his accusers arrived from Jerusalem ([Acts 23:31-35](/acts/23-31-35 "Acts 23:31-35 - Paul's Transfer to Caesarea")). Thus, Acts 24:1 initiates the anticipated legal confrontation, highlighting the relentless pursuit of Paul by the Jewish authorities and setting the scene for Paul's defense.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Maritima served as the Roman administrative capital of Judea, making it the appropriate venue for a trial involving Roman citizens or those accused of crimes against Roman law. Governor Felix, a procurator appointed by Rome, held significant judicial and executive power. The Jewish high priest, Ananias, was the head of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council. His personal descent from Jerusalem, along with "elders" (likely representatives from the Sanhedrin), demonstrated the official and collective resolve of the Jewish leadership to condemn Paul. The inclusion of Tertullus, a professional "orator" (rhetor), was a strategic move. Roman courts operated on principles of rhetoric and legal argument, and hiring a skilled advocate, possibly a Roman citizen or one well-versed in Roman law, was crucial for presenting a compelling case against Paul in a foreign legal system. This highlights the sophisticated and determined nature of the opposition Paul faced.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it exemplifies the **persistent opposition to the Gospel** and its messengers, particularly from established religious authorities who perceived Christianity as a threat to their traditions and power. This mirrors the opposition Jesus Himself faced from the religious elite, as seen in passages like [Matthew 23:13-39](/matthew/23-13-39 "Matthew 23:13-39 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Secondly, it underscores **God's sovereignty in the midst of adversity and legal processes**. Despite the formidable legal and political machinery arrayed against him, Paul's trials consistently provided him with platforms to bear witness to Christ before powerful rulers, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Mission to Gentiles and Kings"). Finally, it highlights the **clash between Jewish law and Roman justice**, as Jewish religious grievances are translated into accusations that could be prosecuted under Roman jurisdiction, often blurring the lines between religious and civil offenses.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **informed (Greek, _emphanízō'_):** This word (G1718) means "to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)," "to appear, declare (plainly), inform, manifest, shew, signify." In this context, it signifies the formal act of presenting a clear, explicit accusation or charge against Paul to the governor. It implies a public and official declaration, not merely a casual conversation, underscoring the legal formality of the proceedings.
* **governor (Greek, _hēgemṓn'_):** This term (G2232) refers to "a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province," specifically a "governor, prince, ruler." Here, it denotes Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea, who held supreme administrative and judicial authority in the province. The accusers were not merely complaining but were bringing their case before the highest Roman legal authority available to them in the region.
* **orator (Greek, _rhḗtōr'_):** This word (G4489) literally means "a speaker," but specifically refers to a "forensic advocate" or "lawyer." Tertullus was not just a good speaker; he was a professional legal representative, skilled in rhetoric and the intricacies of Roman law. His presence indicates the Jewish leaders' serious intent to prosecute Paul effectively within the Roman legal framework, moving beyond a purely religious dispute to a formal legal challenge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after five days":** This phrase indicates the swiftness with which Paul's accusers followed him to Caesarea. The "five days" likely refers to the period after Paul's arrival in Caesarea, demonstrating the urgency and determination of the Jewish high priest and elders to press their case against him without delay.
* **"Ananias the high priest descended with the elders":** This signifies the official and authoritative nature of the delegation. Ananias, as the head of the Sanhedrin, represented the highest Jewish religious authority. His personal presence, along with "the elders" (likely leading members of the Sanhedrin), underscores the collective and institutional resolve of the Jewish leadership to prosecute Paul, reflecting the deep animosity they held towards him and the burgeoning Christian movement.
* **"and with a certain orator named Tertullus":** The inclusion of Tertullus, a professional advocate, highlights the strategic and legalistic approach taken by Paul's accusers. They understood the necessity of presenting their case effectively within the Roman legal system, which valued skilled rhetoric and formal legal arguments. Tertullus's expertise was intended to translate their religious grievances into actionable charges under Roman law.
* **"who informed the governor against Paul":** This clause states the explicit purpose of their journey and presence: to formally accuse Paul before Governor Felix. The word "informed" (emphanízō) implies a clear and public presentation of charges, initiating the legal process. This was not a casual complaint but a deliberate and formal legal accusation designed to secure Paul's condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the extended period of Paul's imprisonment and trials that will dominate the remainder of Acts. The arrival of the high priest and a professional orator signals the formidable nature of the opposition Paul faces, hinting at the prolonged legal battles to come. There is also an element of **Irony** in the Jewish religious leaders, who often resisted Roman authority, now eagerly utilizing the Roman legal system and a Roman advocate to achieve their religious ends. This highlights their desperation and the lengths to which they would go to silence Paul. Finally, the scene presents a subtle **Antithesis** between the simple, truthful message Paul represents and the elaborate, calculated legal strategy employed by his accusers, emphasizing the spiritual conflict at play beneath the legal surface.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 24:1 serves as a stark reminder that faithfulness to Christ and the proclamation of His Gospel often invite opposition, particularly from those whose systems or traditions are challenged by its truth. The relentless pursuit of Paul by the Jewish authorities, culminating in a formal legal accusation before a Roman governor, illustrates the deep-seated resistance encountered by the early church. Theologically, this event aligns with the biblical pattern of righteous suffering and divine providence. Just as Jesus was unjustly accused and tried by both Jewish and Roman authorities, Paul's experience here foreshadows the suffering that disciples must endure for the sake of the Gospel, yet it also demonstrates God's sovereign hand in using even such trials to advance His purposes and provide platforms for witness.

* [Matthew 10:18](/matthew/10-18 "Matthew 10:18 - Bearing Witness Before Governors")
* [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Disciples")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - All Who Desire to Live Godly Will Suffer Persecution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 24:1 provides a powerful lens through which to view the challenges and opportunities inherent in living out one's faith in a hostile world. For believers today, this verse underscores the reality that commitment to Christ may lead to misunderstanding, false accusations, and formal opposition, even from those who claim religious authority. Paul's unwavering stance in the face of such formidable adversaries serves as an enduring example of perseverance and integrity. It calls us to examine our own readiness to stand for truth, even when it is costly, and to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over all legal, political, and social systems. Just as Paul's trials became platforms for Gospel proclamation, our own difficulties can be transformed into opportunities for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. We are encouraged to be discerning about the tactics of opposition and to rely on divine wisdom and strength when navigating complex or unjust situations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the persistent opposition Paul faced encourage or challenge your own commitment to Christ in the face of adversity?**
* **In what ways might believers today encounter "formal" or "strategic" opposition similar to Paul's experience, and how can we prepare for it?**
* **How does trusting in God's sovereignty, even amidst unjust legal or social processes, impact your perspective on current events or personal challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why did Ananias and the elders travel from Jerusalem to Caesarea?**

Answer: Ananias the high priest and the elders traveled from Jerusalem to Caesarea to formally accuse the Apostle Paul before Governor Felix. Their journey underscored the gravity and official nature of their charges. As the supreme Jewish religious and judicial body, the Sanhedrin, led by Ananias, had a vested interest in seeing Paul condemned, viewing him as a disruptive force and a threat to their religious traditions and authority. Caesarea was the Roman provincial capital, making it the appropriate venue for a trial under Roman jurisdiction, especially since Paul had been transferred there by Roman military escort after a plot to assassinate him in Jerusalem was uncovered ([Acts 23:31-35](/acts/23-31-35 "Acts 23:31-35 - Paul's Transfer to Caesarea")).

**Who was Tertullus and what was his role?**

Answer: Tertullus was a professional "orator" or advocate, likely a Roman citizen or someone well-versed in Roman law and rhetoric, hired by Ananias and the elders to present their case against Paul. His role was to articulate the charges in a persuasive and legally sound manner before Governor Felix. The Jewish leaders understood that to succeed in a Roman court, they needed someone skilled in Roman legal procedures and rhetorical conventions, as their grievances were primarily religious but needed to be framed as civil or political offenses to be actionable under Roman law. His involvement signifies the strategic and formal nature of the prosecution.

**What was the significance of the 'five days'?**

Answer: The phrase "after five days" refers to the relatively short period following Paul's arrival in Caesarea before his accusers arrived from Jerusalem. This detail highlights the urgency and determination of Ananias and the Sanhedrin to pursue their case against Paul. It demonstrates their unwavering resolve and the speed with which they mobilized their legal strategy, indicating the high priority they placed on seeing Paul brought to justice according to their understanding. This swift action also sets the immediate stage for the beginning of Paul's extended period of trials and imprisonment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:1, detailing Paul's formal accusation, deeply resonates with the Christ-centered narrative of the Gospel. Just as Paul faced a concerted effort by religious authorities and a professional advocate to condemn him before a Roman governor, so too did Jesus stand accused before the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate. The high priest Ananias's presence and the strategic use of an orator like Tertullus echo the unjust trials of Christ, where religious leaders sought to manipulate legal systems to achieve their desired outcome ([John 18:28-40](/john/18-28-40 "John 18:28-40 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Paul's suffering and legal battles are not merely historical events but a participation in the suffering of Christ, who endured false accusations and judicial injustice for the sake of humanity's redemption ([1 Peter 2:21-23](/1_peter/2-21-23 "1 Peter 2:21-23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")). Ultimately, Paul's trials, though fraught with human malice, were providentially used by God to advance the Gospel, bringing the message of Christ before governors and kings, much as Christ's own crucifixion, seemingly a defeat, became the ultimate victory over sin and death. Thus, Paul's experience in Acts 24:1 serves as a powerful testament to the enduring truth that even in the face of formidable opposition, the power of Christ's cross and resurrection continues to triumph, transforming trials into opportunities for His name to be proclaimed ([Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment for the Advancement of the Gospel")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 23:2

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Acts 24:11

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

Acts 23:24

And provide [them] beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring [him] safe unto Felix the governor.

Acts 23:30

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what [they had] against him. Farewell.

Acts 21:27

¶ And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Psalms 11:2

For, lo, the wicked bend [their] bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

Acts 25:2

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,