Acts 24:2

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he {G846} was called forth {G2564}, Tertullus {G5061} began {G756} to accuse {G2723} him, saying {G3004}, Seeing that by {G1223} thee {G4675} we enjoy {G5177} great {G4183} quietness {G1515}, and {G2532} that very worthy deeds {G2735} are done {G1096} unto this {G5129} nation {G1484} by {G1223} thy {G4674} providence {G4307},

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha’ul was called, and Tertullus began to make the charges: “Felix, your Excellency, it is because of you that we enjoy unbroken peace, and it is your foresight that has brought to this nation

Berean Standard Bible

When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.

American Standard Version

And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 24:2 introduces the formal legal proceedings against the Apostle Paul before Governor Felix in Caesarea, where the Jewish high priest Ananias and elders present their case through a hired orator, Tertullus. This verse captures the opening moments of Tertullus's address, characterized by effusive and strategic flattery directed at Governor Felix, praising him for bringing "great quietness" and performing "very worthy deeds" for the Jewish nation through his "providence," thereby setting a manipulative tone for the subsequent accusations against Paul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's dramatic transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea under heavy Roman guard, orchestrated to protect him from a Jewish plot to assassinate him ([Acts 23:23-35](/acts/23-23-35 "Acts 23:23-35 - Paul's Transfer to Caesarea")). Paul's arrest in Jerusalem had sparked significant unrest and division among the Jewish council, highlighting the deep theological and political tensions surrounding his ministry. The arrival of the high priest Ananias and the elders in Caesarea, five days after Paul's transfer, signals the formal initiation of the legal charges against him before the Roman provincial authority. Tertullus's speech, beginning in [Acts 24:2](/acts/24-2 "Acts 24:2 - Tertullus's Accusation Begins"), serves as the prosecution's opening statement, laying the groundwork for their specific accusations against Paul, which follow in [Acts 24:5-8](/acts/24-5-8 "Acts 24:5-8 - Tertullus's Specific Charges Against Paul").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial takes place in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman administrative capital of Judea, underscoring the shift from Jewish religious courts to Roman imperial jurisdiction. Governor Antonius Felix, a former slave who rose to power, was known for his corrupt and often brutal administration, characterized by bribery and harsh suppression of dissent. In the Greco-Roman legal system, it was common practice for accusers to employ professional orators (rhetors) like Tertullus to present their cases with eloquence and persuasive skill. Such speeches often began with a _captatio benevolentiae_, an attempt to win the favor of the judge through elaborate praise and flattery, regardless of its sincerity. This practice was a standard rhetorical device, aiming to predispose the judge positively towards the prosecution's arguments before the actual charges were laid out.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 24:2](/acts/24-2 "Acts 24:2 - Tertullus's Opening Flattery") immediately introduces the theme of **manipulative rhetoric** and **insincere flattery** as a tactical tool in legal proceedings. Tertullus's opening words, despite their grandiloquence, are a calculated attempt to curry favor with Governor Felix, contrasting sharply with the pursuit of truth and justice. This verse also highlights the **clash between religious and political powers**, as Jewish religious leaders resort to Roman legal channels to suppress what they perceive as a threat to their traditions and authority. The underlying theme of **Roman authority and its exercise** is also prominent, as Felix, representing the imperial power, holds the fate of Paul in his hands, demonstrating the complex interplay between Jewish religious law and Roman civil law in the province of Judea, a recurring motif throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **quietness (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** This term, typically translated as "peace," carries a broader meaning here, encompassing prosperity, security, and tranquility. Tertullus uses it to suggest that Felix's rule has brought about a state of stability and well-being for the Jewish nation, implying that any disruption (like Paul) is an anomaly to Felix's otherwise beneficial governance. It is a strategic choice of word to highlight a desirable state attributed to the governor.
* **worthy deeds (Greek, _katórthōma'_):** This word denotes "something made fully upright," or figuratively, "rectification" and "good public administration." Tertullus employs it to commend Felix for specific acts of good governance or reforms that have purportedly benefited the Jewish people. This is a highly complimentary term, suggesting that Felix's actions have genuinely improved the nation's condition, further bolstering the orator's flattery.
* **providence (Greek, _prónoia'_):** Literally meaning "forethought" or "provident care/supply," this term implies a deliberate, far-sighted, and beneficial management of affairs. Attributing "providence" to a human ruler like Felix elevates his actions to a level of almost divine foresight and care, suggesting that his administration is not merely reactive but thoughtfully planned for the nation's good. This word is particularly potent in its flattery, as it bestows upon Felix a quality often associated with divine oversight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying,"**: This clause sets the scene for the formal accusation. "Called forth" refers to Paul being brought forward to stand before the tribunal. The introduction of Tertullus, a professional orator, immediately signals that this will be a formal, rhetorically crafted presentation, rather than a simple statement of charges. His "beginning to accuse" marks the official commencement of the prosecution's case.
* **"Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness,"**: This is the initial stroke of flattery. Tertullus attributes the "great quietness" or peace and stability experienced by the Jewish people directly to Governor Felix. This is a strategic opening, designed to appeal to Felix's ego and establish a favorable disposition before the actual charges against Paul are presented. It subtly positions Felix as a benefactor, implying that the accusers are grateful subjects.
* **"and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,"**: This continues and amplifies the flattery. Tertullus praises Felix not only for maintaining peace but also for actively performing "very worthy deeds" – acts of good administration and beneficial reforms – for the Jewish nation. The use of "providence" further exaggerates Felix's perceived foresight and beneficial oversight, painting him as a wise and benevolent ruler, a stark contrast to his historical reputation for corruption and brutality.

#### Literary Devices
Tertullus's opening statement in [Acts 24:2](/acts/24-2 "Acts 24:2 - Tertullus's Opening Flattery") is a masterclass in **Rhetoric** and **Oratory**. As a professional orator, Tertullus employs classical rhetorical strategies to influence the judge. The most prominent device is **Flattery** (or _captatio benevolentiae_), where he showers Felix with exaggerated praise, attributing peace, worthy deeds, and providence to his rule. This is a calculated move to establish rapport and predispose Felix positively towards the prosecution. The use of terms like "great quietness" and "very worthy deeds" also exemplifies **Hyperbole**, as historical accounts suggest Felix's rule was anything but peaceful or characterized by truly worthy deeds; rather, it was marked by corruption and unrest. This hyperbole creates a strong sense of **Irony**, as the audience, aware of Felix's true character, would recognize the insincerity and manipulative intent behind Tertullus's words. The entire opening serves as a **Preamble**, setting a deferential and appreciative tone before the speaker transitions to the actual accusations, which are designed to appear as a regrettable necessity that disturbs the otherwise ideal state of affairs attributed to Felix.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 24:2, though seemingly a mere procedural opening, offers profound theological and thematic insights into the nature of human power, justice, and the contrast between worldly wisdom and divine truth. Tertullus's calculated flattery of Felix highlights the pervasive human tendency to seek favor and manipulate situations through insincere words, rather than relying on the righteousness of one's cause. This scene underscores the often-corrupt nature of human justice systems, where rhetoric and political maneuvering can overshadow truth. The Christian response, exemplified by Paul's later defense, is to stand firm in truth and integrity, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty even when facing unjust accusations and biased authorities. This passage implicitly challenges believers to discern between genuine respect for authority and manipulative adulation, encouraging a commitment to honesty in all interactions, especially when under pressure.

* [Proverbs 29:5](/proverbs/29-5 "The Danger of Flattery")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "Living as Servants of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Tertullus's opening gambit in Acts 24:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of flattery and manipulation in human interactions, particularly in contexts of power. It prompts us to reflect on our own motivations and methods of communication. Do we seek to genuinely honor others, or do we employ insincere praise to gain advantage or curry favor? The stark contrast between Tertullus's calculated rhetoric and Paul's commitment to truth, even in the face of grave accusations, challenges us to prioritize integrity and sincerity in our words and actions. In a world where persuasive speech can often overshadow substance, this passage calls believers to a higher standard of communication, rooted in honesty and a clear conscience. It also encourages us to trust in God's justice even when earthly systems appear compromised, knowing that ultimate truth will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Tertullus's use of flattery in this verse challenge our understanding of integrity in communication?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, use flattery or manipulative rhetoric in our own lives, and how can we guard against this?**
* **How does Paul's subsequent defense, rooted in truth, provide a contrasting model to Tertullus's approach, and what can we learn from it?**

### FAQ
**Who was Tertullus, and why was he hired by the Jewish leaders?**

Answer: Tertullus was a professional orator or rhetor, a common figure in the Greco-Roman legal system. The Jewish high priest Ananias and the elders hired him to present their case against Paul before Governor Felix. They likely sought his services because of his skill in rhetoric and his ability to articulate their accusations in a manner that would be persuasive to a Roman governor, who would be accustomed to such formal legal presentations. His role was to lend an air of professionalism and legitimacy to their charges, employing the sophisticated legal and rhetorical conventions of the time.

**What was Governor Felix's reputation, and how does that affect our understanding of Tertullus's flattery?**

Answer: Governor Antonius Felix was a Roman procurator of Judea from 52-58 AD. Historical sources, such as Tacitus and Josephus, portray him as a corrupt, cruel, and often unjust ruler. He was known for his venality, his use of force, and his willingness to accept bribes. Given this historical context, Tertullus's effusive praise for Felix's "great quietness" and "very worthy deeds" in [Acts 24:2](/acts/24-2 "Acts 24:2 - Tertullus's Opening Flattery") appears highly insincere and manipulative. It underscores the calculated nature of the flattery, designed not out of genuine admiration but as a strategic attempt to curry favor with a powerful, albeit corrupt, judge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:2, with its depiction of Paul facing a politically motivated and rhetorically manipulative accusation, powerfully echoes the experiences of Jesus Christ Himself. Just as Tertullus, a professional orator, was employed to craft a case against Paul, so too were false witnesses and manipulative accusations brought against Jesus before both Jewish and Roman authorities ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus"); [Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Accusations Before Pilate")). The flattery directed at Felix, a corrupt earthly ruler, stands in stark contrast to the absolute truth and integrity embodied by Christ, who, though innocent, submitted to an unjust trial for the redemption of humanity ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). Paul, as an apostle of Christ, participates in the suffering of his Lord, enduring false charges and the machinations of worldly power. This passage ultimately points to Jesus as the one true and righteous judge, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and before whom all earthly rhetoric and manipulation will ultimately fail, for He judges with perfect justice and truth ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus as Judge")).

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

Proverbs 29:5

¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

Proverbs 26:28

¶ A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Acts 24:26

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

Acts 24:27

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Jude 1:16

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

Psalms 12:3

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things: