Acts 24:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Acts 24:1 KJV introduces the formal beginning of the legal proceedings against the Apostle Paul in Caesarea, following his transfer from Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for a significant portion of Paul's ministry, highlighting the persistent opposition he faced from Jewish religious authorities.

Context

After being rescued from a plot to kill him in Jerusalem, Paul was swiftly transferred under military escort to Caesarea, the Roman provincial capital, to stand trial before Governor Felix (Acts 23:33). This verse details the arrival of Paul's accusers. "After five days" refers to the period following Paul's arrival in Caesarea, indicating the speed with which the Jewish leadership pursued their case. Ananias the high priest, a key figure in the Sanhedrin who had previously commanded Paul to be struck (Acts 23:2), personally descended from Jerusalem, accompanied by elders (representatives of the Sanhedrin) and a professional Roman advocate, Tertullus. Their presence underscored the gravity and official nature of the accusations they intended to bring against Paul before the Roman governor.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Opposition: The verse immediately demonstrates the unwavering determination of the Jewish religious leaders to prosecute Paul. Their descent from Jerusalem, along with a professional orator, signifies their commitment to seeing him condemned.
  • Legal Strategy: The involvement of Tertullus, a Roman orator (or advocate/lawyer), indicates that the Jewish leaders understood the Roman legal system and sought to present their case in a manner that would be effective in a Roman court. This was not merely a religious dispute but a calculated legal strategy.
  • Paul's Trials: This verse inaugurates a series of trials and hearings that would define Paul's immediate future, showcasing his defense of the Gospel before Roman authorities and kings.

Linguistic Insights

The term "orator" in Greek is rhētor (ῥήτωρ), referring to a professional speaker or advocate. Tertullus was likely a Roman citizen or well-versed in Roman law and rhetoric, hired by the Jewish leaders to articulate their charges against Paul in a persuasive and legally sound manner before Governor Felix. This highlights the formal, legalistic approach taken by Paul's accusers.

Practical Application

Acts 24:1 reminds us that following Christ can often lead to opposition, even from unexpected sources or through formal legal channels. For believers today, this verse offers several insights:

  • Perseverance in the Face of Adversity: Paul faced relentless opposition, yet he continued to stand firm in his faith and witness. This encourages believers to remain steadfast despite challenges.
  • Understanding Opposition's Tactics: Just as Paul's accusers employed professional means to achieve their ends, spiritual opposition can also be strategic and well-resourced. Discerning these tactics can help believers prepare.
  • God's Sovereignty in Legal Processes: Even within complex legal and political systems, God's plan for Paul's ministry continued to unfold, eventually leading him to Rome (Acts 28:16). This offers comfort that God can work through all circumstances.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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