Acts 24:20

KJV

Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

KJV (with Strong's)

Or else {G2228} let {G2036} these {G846} same {G3778} here say {G2036}, if {G1536} they have found {G2147} any {G1536} evil doing {G92} in {G1722} me {G1698}, while I {G3450} stood {G2476} before {G1909} the council {G4892},

Complete Jewish Bible

Or else, let these men themselves say what crime they found me guilty of when I stood in front of the Sanhedrin,

Berean Standard Bible

Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

American Standard Version

Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 24:20, Paul, standing before Governor Felix, issues a direct challenge to his Jewish accusers. He demands that they specify any concrete "evil doing" or criminal activity they observed or discovered in him during his previous appearance before the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. This verse underscores Paul's assertion of blamelessness and shifts the burden of proof back to his accusers, highlighting the unsubstantiated nature of their charges against him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 24:20 is embedded within Paul's defense speech before Governor Felix in Caesarea. Following his arrest in Jerusalem and a foiled assassination plot, Paul was brought to Caesarea. The preceding verses (Acts 24:1-9) detail the accusations brought against Paul by the high priest Ananias, the elders, and the orator Tertullus, who presented Paul as a "pestilent fellow," a "stirrer up of sedition," and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" who attempted to profane the temple. Paul's defense (Acts 24:10-21) systematically refutes these charges. Verse 20 specifically refers back to his previous appearance before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, as recounted in [Acts 23](/acts/23 "Acts 23 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin"), where he was interrogated but no specific criminal charge was proven. Paul's challenge here serves to expose the lack of tangible evidence supporting their broad accusations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's trial takes place in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman provincial capital of Judea, before Governor Antonius Felix. This setting is crucial as it involves Roman law, which required specific charges and evidence for conviction, unlike some Jewish legal traditions that could be influenced by religious zeal. Paul, as a Roman citizen, had the right to a fair trial. The "council" (συνέδριον, _synédrion_) mentioned is the Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial body in Jerusalem. Paul's challenge to them to "say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council" highlights the procedural nature of the accusations. The Jewish leaders were motivated by religious animosity and political expediency, seeing Paul's message about Jesus as a threat to their authority and traditions, as seen in their earlier attempts to silence the apostles in [Acts 5:28](/acts/5-28 "Acts 5:28 - Apostles Forbidden to Speak of Jesus").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it emphasizes **Paul's Integrity and Innocence** in the face of persistent false accusations, a recurring motif for early Christian leaders. Paul consistently maintains that his actions are not criminal but are rooted in his faith in Christ and the resurrection, as he states in [Acts 24:14-15](/acts/24-14-15 "Acts 24:14-15 - Paul's Defense of His Faith"). Secondly, it highlights the **Burden of Proof** in legal proceedings; Paul effectively challenges his accusers to provide concrete evidence, exposing the vagueness and unsubstantiated nature of their claims. This legal tactic underscores the Roman legal principle of *onus probandi*. Thirdly, the verse illustrates the broader theme of **False Accusation and Persecution** faced by the early church, often driven by religious jealousy and misunderstanding, mirroring the unjust trials faced by Jesus himself. Finally, Paul's steadfastness in his defense demonstrates the theme of **Standing for Truth** even when facing powerful opposition and potential imprisonment, reflecting his commitment to the Gospel message, which he articulates throughout his ministry, for example in [Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - Paul's Commitment to the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." Paul's challenge is for his accusers to *verbally declare* or *articulate* any specific wrongdoing. This emphasizes the lack of a clear, spoken accusation with substantiating details, contrasting with the general and vague charges brought by Tertullus. Paul demands a precise statement of guilt.
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** From G2147, meaning "to find (literally or figuratively); to get, obtain, perceive, see." This word suggests a process of discovery or observation. Paul is not merely asking if they *think* he did wrong, but if they *discovered* or *perceived* any actual "evil doing" during his public appearance before the Sanhedrin. It implies a search for evidence that yielded nothing incriminating.
* **evil doing (Greek, _adíkēma'_):** From G92, meaning "a wrong done; iniquity, matter of wrong." This term refers to a concrete, actionable offense or an act of injustice. Paul's use of this specific term highlights that his accusers have failed to identify any actual criminal act or moral transgression that would warrant their accusations, distinguishing his actions from mere religious disagreement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or else let these same [here] say":** Paul presents an alternative challenge or proposition to his accusers, the Jewish leaders present at the trial. He invites them to speak up and present their case, implying that if they cannot prove the general accusations, they should at least be able to point to something specific.
* **"if they have found any evil doing in me":** This is the core of Paul's challenge. He directly questions whether his accusers were able to discover or discern any specific wrong, crime, or act of injustice on his part. The phrasing implies a search for evidence that yielded nothing substantial.
* **"while I stood before the council":** Paul limits the scope of their accusation to a specific, public event – his previous appearance and interrogation before the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. This specifies the timeframe and setting, making it clear that he is asking for evidence from a known, official proceeding, not vague rumors or past events.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's statement in Acts 24:20 employs several effective literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Rhetorical Challenge** or **Rhetorical Question**. Paul is not genuinely expecting his accusers to suddenly produce evidence, but rather he uses the challenge to expose the emptiness and lack of substance in their accusations. By demanding that they "say, if they have found any evil doing," he highlights their inability to provide concrete proof, thereby undermining their entire case. This also serves as a form of **Apostrophe**, as he directly addresses his accusers who are present. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates Paul's astute understanding of **Legal Pleading** and argumentation. His precise language, using terms like "evil doing" and referencing his appearance "before the council," reflects a careful, almost forensic, approach to his defense, aiming to demonstrate his innocence within the Roman legal framework. The entire passage is steeped in **Forensic Rhetoric**, as Paul systematically dismantles the prosecution's claims by appealing to facts and the absence of evidence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 24:20 powerfully illustrates the theme of righteous suffering and the vindication of truth in the face of false accusation. Paul's steadfastness and clear conscience reflect a life lived in accordance with God's will, even when it brings him into conflict with powerful religious and political authorities. His challenge to his accusers underscores the divine principle that truth will ultimately prevail, and that those who walk in integrity have a strong defense, not just before human courts, but before God. This narrative serves as an encouragement to believers to live blamelessly, so that even when unjustly accused, their character can stand as a testament to their faith. It resonates with the broader biblical theme of God's protection and vindication of His servants, even amidst trials.

* [Psalm 37:32-33](/psalms/37-32-33 "Psalm 37:32-33 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous")
* [1 Peter 3:16](/1_peter/3-16 "1 Peter 3:16 - Having a Good Conscience")
* [Philippians 1:28](/philippians/1-28 "Philippians 1:28 - Not Frightened by Adversaries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's bold challenge in Acts 24:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by misinformation, swift judgment, and baseless accusations, Paul's example calls us to live with such integrity and transparency that even our detractors struggle to find legitimate fault in our character or actions. His readiness to stand firm and demand specific evidence reminds us that while we are called to be humble, we are also called to defend the truth and our blameless conduct when unjustly attacked. This does not mean being argumentative, but rather, as Paul demonstrates, calmly and truthfully presenting the facts. It encourages us to cultivate a clear conscience before God and humanity, knowing that our ultimate vindication comes from Him. When facing unjust criticism, we are invited to trust in God's justice and to respond with grace and truth, allowing our lives to be a testament to the transforming power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to false accusations, and how can I live with greater integrity to minimize such vulnerabilities?**
* **How does Paul's calm and reasoned defense inspire me to respond when I face unjust criticism or misunderstanding?**
* **What does it mean to have a "clear conscience" before God and others, and how can I actively pursue that in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What was the "council" Paul referred to in Acts 24:20?**

Answer: The "council" Paul refers to is the Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial body in Jerusalem. Paul had been brought before this council shortly after his arrest in Jerusalem, as detailed in [Acts 22:30-23:10](/acts/22-30-23-10 "Acts 22:30-23:10 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin"). His challenge in Acts 24:20 is to his accusers, many of whom were members of or associated with this very council, to specify any wrongdoing they found during that previous public hearing.

**Why was Paul so confident in challenging his accusers to find "evil doing"?**

Answer: Paul's confidence stemmed from his clear conscience and the conviction that his actions, though controversial to some, were not criminal or morally corrupt under either Jewish or Roman law. He believed he had lived "in all good conscience before God" ([Acts 23:1](/acts/23-1 "Acts 23:1 - Paul's Conscience")). His ministry was about preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not inciting rebellion or profaning the temple, as his accusers claimed. He knew their accusations were rooted in religious jealousy and misunderstanding of his faith, not in actual "evil doing" on his part. His confidence was in his integrity and the truth of his mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's blamelessness in Acts 24:20, and his challenge to his accusers to find "any evil doing" in him, powerfully foreshadows and points to the ultimate blamelessness of Jesus Christ. While Paul, a redeemed sinner, could assert his innocence concerning specific charges, Jesus alone lived a life of perfect righteousness, utterly without sin, as declared in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest"). Like Paul, Jesus was falsely accused and subjected to unjust trials by religious and political authorities, yet no legitimate "evil doing" could be found in Him ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault in Jesus")). Indeed, Pilate himself declared, "I find no guilt in him" ([John 19:4](/john/19-4 "John 19:4 - Pilate Declares Jesus Innocent")). Paul's defense, though a human effort, reflects the divine standard of justice and integrity perfectly embodied by Christ. Ultimately, Jesus, the Lamb of God without blemish or spot ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")), took upon Himself the "evil doing" of humanity, suffering the penalty for our sins so that we might be declared righteous in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Paul's plea for vindication points to the greater vindication and redemptive work of Christ, who, though innocent, was condemned for our sake.

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.