Acts 24:14

KJV

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} this {G5124} I confess {G3670} unto thee {G4671}, that {G3754} after {G2596} the way {G3598} which {G3739} they call {G3004} heresy {G139}, so {G3779} worship I {G3000} the God {G2316} of my fathers {G3971}, believing {G4100} all things {G3956} which {G3588} are written {G1125} in {G2596} the law {G3551} and {G2532} in {G1722} the prophets {G4396}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“But this I do admit to you: I worship the God of our fathers in accordance with the Way (which they call a sect). I continue to believe everything that accords with the Torah and everything written in the Prophets.

Berean Standard Bible

I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

American Standard Version

But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 24:14, the Apostle Paul stands before Governor Felix, offering a robust defense against the charges leveled by his Jewish accusers. He boldly declares that his faith, though labeled a "heresy" or "sect" by his opponents, is in fact the worship of the ancestral God of Israel, fully rooted in and consistent with the entirety of the Old Testament Scriptures—the Law and the Prophets. This statement serves as a powerful assertion of the continuity of his Christian faith with the historical revelation of God to Israel, reframing the accusations from deviation to fulfillment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Paul's defense speech before Governor Felix in Caesarea, following his arrest in Jerusalem and transfer from the Sanhedrin. The immediate preceding verses (Acts 24:1-9) detail the accusations brought against Paul by the high priest Ananias and the orator Tertullus, who portray him as a "pestilent fellow," a "stirrer up of sedition," and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5). Paul's defense, beginning in Acts 24:10, directly addresses these charges. Verse 14 specifically tackles the accusation of belonging to a "heresy," positioning his faith not as a disruptive innovation but as the legitimate continuation of Israel's covenantal relationship with God, grounded in the very scriptures his accusers claim to uphold. His speech culminates in a declaration of his hope in the resurrection (Acts 24:15-16), a belief shared by many Pharisees, thereby subtly undermining the unity of his accusers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's trial occurred in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman provincial capital of Judea, under Governor Antonius Felix. The term "heresy" (Greek: _haíresis_) in this context did not carry the later theological weight of doctrinal error but rather referred to a "school of thought," "party," or "sect." Both the Pharisees and Sadducees were considered _haíreseis_ within Judaism. Paul's accusers used the term to delegitimize the burgeoning Christian movement, portraying it as a dangerous, unauthorized deviation from normative Judaism. However, Paul's defense strategically reclaims the term, asserting that "the Way" (an early designation for Christianity, as seen in [Acts 9:2](/acts/9-2 "Acts 9:2 - The Way")) is not a new religion but the authentic expression of the faith of Abraham, Moses, and the prophets, distinguishing it from mere political rebellion or social unrest.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 24:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Continuity of Faith**, demonstrating that Christianity is not a radical break from Judaism but its divinely intended culmination. Paul emphasizes that he worships "the God of my fathers," directly linking his faith to the patriarchal covenant and the historical lineage of Israel. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Fulfillment of Scripture**, as Paul asserts his belief in "all things which are written in the law and in the prophets." This declaration is central to the apostolic message, positing that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah and that the events of His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate realization of Old Testament prophecies, a theme consistently articulated by Jesus Himself in [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures"). Finally, the passage addresses the **Legitimacy of the Christian Movement**, defending it against charges of being a dangerous, unauthorized "sect." Paul redefines the "heresy" label, asserting that his adherence to "the Way" is, in fact, the most faithful adherence to the God of Israel and His revealed Word, aligning with the spirit of the Law and the Prophets as taught by Christ in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **confess (Greek, _homologéō_):** This verb, from a compound of _homoú_ (together) and _lógos_ (word), means "to assent," "to covenant," or "to acknowledge." In this context, Paul is not merely admitting a fact but openly declaring or affirming his allegiance and belief. It implies a public, unreserved acknowledgment of truth, often in the face of opposition, underscoring his conviction and integrity.
* **heresy (Greek, _haíresis_):** Derived from _hairéomai_ (to choose), this term properly signifies "a choice," and by extension, "a school of thought," "a party," or "a sect." In the New Testament, it is used to describe various Jewish groups (e.g., Sadducees, Pharisees, Nazarenes). Paul's accusers used it pejoratively, implying a schismatic or deviant group. Paul, however, acknowledges the label but immediately redefines its meaning in his context, asserting that his "choice" or "sect" is in fact the true worship.
* **worship (Greek, _latreúō_):** This verb, from a root meaning "a hired menial," denotes "to minister (to God)," or "to render religious homage." It refers to the service or devotion rendered to a deity, often with sacrificial or ritualistic connotations. Paul's use of _latreúō_ emphasizes that his actions are not merely philosophical adherence but active, reverent service directed toward the "God of my fathers," highlighting the continuity of his religious practice with the ancient traditions of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But this I confess unto thee":** Paul begins with a strong adversative ("But"), signaling a direct response to the accusations. The phrase "this I confess unto thee" is a formal and emphatic declaration made directly to Governor Felix. It sets a tone of open and honest disclosure, contrasting with the veiled accusations and misrepresentations of his opponents. Paul is not denying his identity but clarifying it.
* **"that after the way which they call heresy":** Paul directly addresses the derogatory label applied to his faith. He acknowledges that his accusers refer to his movement as a "heresy" or "sect" ("the way which they call heresy"). This is a strategic rhetorical move: he does not deny that he is part of what they *call* a sect, but he immediately qualifies it, preparing to redefine its true nature. "The Way" was an early, self-designation for the Christian movement, signifying a distinct path of life and belief.
* **"so worship I the God of my fathers":** This is the core of Paul's redefinition. Despite being labeled a "heresy," Paul asserts that his worship is directed to "the God of my fathers." This profoundly significant statement connects his faith directly to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes continuity, not rupture, with the historical faith of his people, countering any notion that he has abandoned his heritage or introduced a foreign deity. His worship is the true, ancestral worship.
* **"believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets":** This clause further solidifies Paul's claim of continuity and legitimacy. He declares his full adherence to and belief in the entire body of the Hebrew Scriptures—the Torah ("the law") and the Nevi'im ("the prophets"). This is a direct challenge to his accusers, implying that his faith is not only consistent with but also the fulfillment of the very scriptures they both hold sacred. It underscores that his belief in Christ is not a rejection of these foundational texts but rather a deeper understanding and affirmation of their ultimate purpose and revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's defense in Acts 24:14 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Antithesis** is central, as Paul directly contrasts his accusers' pejorative label of "heresy" with his own reality of worshipping "the God of my fathers" and believing "all things which are written in the law and in the prophets." This creates a powerful rhetorical tension, reframing the perceived deviation as true adherence. The phrase "the way which they call heresy" also carries an element of **Irony**, as Paul tacitly acknowledges their mischaracterization while simultaneously asserting the genuine nature of his faith, which is, in fact, the fulfillment of their shared heritage. His statement is a strong **Assertion**, a direct and unwavering declaration of his beliefs, demonstrating conviction and integrity in the face of false accusations. Furthermore, the phrase "the God of my fathers" is a potent **Allusion** to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, invoking a deep sense of historical and theological continuity that would resonate with any Jewish listener, including his accusers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in Acts 24:14 is a cornerstone for understanding the relationship between early Christianity and Judaism. It asserts that the Christian faith is not a new religion, but rather the legitimate and divinely intended culmination of God's redemptive plan revealed throughout the Old Testament. Paul's worship of "the God of my fathers" and his belief in "all things which are written in the law and in the prophets" underscore the theological continuity between the covenants. This highlights that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not a departure from God's historical work with Israel but its ultimate fulfillment, offering salvation to both Jew and Gentile through the Messiah promised in those very scriptures. This perspective challenges the notion that Christianity is a separate, foreign entity, instead presenting it as the true heir to God's promises and the authentic expression of His covenant faithfulness.

* [Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith")
* [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains Himself in the Scriptures")
* [Acts 28:23](/acts/28-23 "Acts 28:23 - Paul Explains the Kingdom of God from the Law and Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's defense in Acts 24:14 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world that often misunderstands or mislabels genuine faith. Like Paul, we are called to confidently articulate the truth of our beliefs, demonstrating their deep roots in God's unchanging Word and their transformative power in our lives. This requires not only knowing what we believe but also understanding why, being prepared to explain how our faith in Christ is consistent with God's overarching redemptive narrative, rather than a mere personal preference or a novel invention. In an age where Christian convictions are frequently dismissed as narrow-minded or even hateful, Paul's example encourages us to stand firm, to worship the God of our spiritual fathers, and to affirm the timeless truths of Scripture, even when such adherence is branded as "heresy" by the prevailing culture. Our ultimate allegiance is to God and His revealed truth, not to the shifting tides of popular opinion or external classifications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the continuity of faith from the Old Testament to Christ strengthen your own Christian identity?**
* **In what ways might your faith be "mislabeled" or misunderstood by those outside the church today, and how can you respond with clarity and grace, like Paul?**
* **What does it mean for you to "believe all things which are written in the law and in the prophets" in your daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "the way which they call heresy"?**

Answer: When Paul refers to "the way which they call heresy," he is acknowledging the term his Jewish accusers used to describe the early Christian movement. In the first century, the Greek word _haíresis_ (heresy) did not necessarily carry the negative connotation of doctrinal error that it would later acquire in Christian theology. Instead, it often simply meant a "school of thought," "party," or "sect." For example, the Pharisees and Sadducees were considered _haíreseis_ within Judaism. Paul's accusers were using the term to label the followers of Jesus as a distinct, unauthorized, and potentially dangerous sect that had deviated from normative Judaism. Paul, however, immediately redefines this label, asserting that while they may call it a "heresy," it is in fact the true worship of "the God of my fathers" and fully consistent with "the law and the prophets." This is a strategic rhetorical move to reclaim the narrative and assert the legitimacy of Christian faith as the true continuation of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in the early church's self-designation as "[the Way](/acts/9-2 "Acts 9:2 - The Way")" (e.g., [Acts 9:2](/acts/9-2 "Acts 9:2 - The Way"), [Acts 19:9](/acts/19-9 "Acts 19:9 - The Way")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment and culmination of "the law and the prophets." Paul's declaration that he worships "the God of my fathers" and believes "all things which are written in the law and in the prophets" points directly to Christ, for Jesus Himself taught that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "heresy" that Paul's accusers perceived was, in reality, the dawning of the New Covenant in Christ, which perfectly accomplished all that the Old Covenant foreshadowed. Jesus is the Lamb of God prefigured in the sacrificial system ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the Prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")), the King in the line of David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), and the Suffering Servant foretold by Isaiah ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). Thus, Paul's "way" was not a deviation but the true path to God, revealed and made accessible through the Messiah, who is the living Word of God, perfectly fulfilling every jot and tittle of what was written ([Luke 24:44-45](/luke/24-44-45 "Luke 24:44-45 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). In Christ, the worship of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob reaches its intended purpose, and the ancient scriptures are illuminated with their full redemptive meaning.

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 9:2

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Romans 3:21

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Acts 3:13

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let [him] go.

Acts 28:23

¶ And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.

Acts 24:5

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:

Acts 26:22

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

2 Timothy 1:3

I thank God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;