Acts 24:5

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} we have found {G2147} this {G5126} man {G435} a pestilent {G3061} fellow, and {G2532} a mover {G2795} of sedition {G4714} among all {G3956} the Jews {G2453} throughout {G2596} the world {G3625}, and {G5037} a ringleader {G4414} of the sect {G139} of the Nazarenes {G3480}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“We have found this man a pest. He is an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Natzratim.

Berean Standard Bible

We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,

American Standard Version

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 24:5 records the opening accusations leveled against the Apostle Paul by Tertullus, a professional orator representing the Jewish high priest Ananias and the elders, before Governor Felix in Caesarea. These charges, meticulously crafted to appeal to Roman legal concerns, portray Paul as a dangerous public nuisance, an instigator of sedition among Jews throughout the Roman world, and the prominent leader of the "sect of the Nazarenes." The intent behind these grave accusations was to secure Paul's condemnation and prevent the further spread of the burgeoning Christian movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the Book of Acts, following Paul's tumultuous arrest in Jerusalem. Having been falsely accused by Jewish leaders of defiling the temple and inciting a riot, Paul was initially rescued by Roman soldiers. A subsequent plot to assassinate him prompted his transfer under heavy guard from Jerusalem to Caesarea, the Roman provincial capital, to stand trial before Governor Felix. Acts 24:5 marks the formal commencement of this trial, with Tertullus's opening statement laying out the specific charges that Paul must now answer. This sets the stage for Paul's eloquent and compelling defense in the verses that follow, where he systematically refutes these accusations and proclaims the truth of the Gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Paul before Felix took place in Caesarea Maritima, a major Roman administrative and military center. Roman law was paramount, and charges of sedition (inciting rebellion) were taken extremely seriously, often punishable by death, as they threatened the stability of the Roman Empire. The Jewish leaders, understanding this, shrewdly framed their religious grievances against Paul in political terms. Furthermore, the designation "sect of the Nazarenes" was a derogatory label used by the Jewish establishment to distinguish followers of Jesus from mainstream Judaism. While Judaism enjoyed the status of a *religio licita* (a legal religion) under Roman law, an unauthorized "sect" could be deemed illicit and suppressed, thus denying early Christians the legal protections afforded to Jews. This context highlights the precarious legal position of the nascent Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 24:5 contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It vividly illustrates the **conflict between the established Jewish religious system and the rapidly expanding Christian faith**, a tension that permeates much of Acts. The accusations highlight the theme of **false witness and unjust persecution** faced by early believers, mirroring the suffering of Christ himself. Paul's trial also underscores the **sovereignty of God** in protecting His chosen instruments, as seen in the divine assurance given to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands with Paul") that he would testify in Rome. Lastly, the verse brings to the fore the **missionary expansion of the Gospel**, as Paul's activities "throughout the world" (the Roman Empire) were perceived as a threat to the status quo, yet were in fulfillment of the Great Commission to spread the message of [Jesus Christ](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pestilent (Greek, _loimós_):** This word, meaning "a plague" or "pestilence," is used here figuratively to describe Paul as a public nuisance or a source of corruption and trouble. It is a strong, highly derogatory term intended to completely discredit Paul's character and portray him as a dangerous individual who brings social and moral disease wherever he goes.
* **sedition (Greek, _stásis_):** Derived from a word meaning "a standing," this term refers to an uprising, rebellion, or civil commotion. In the Roman legal context, inciting sedition was a capital offense, as it directly threatened the peace and stability of the empire. By accusing Paul of being a "mover of sedition," Tertullus sought to present him as a political revolutionary, a charge designed to provoke the severest Roman judgment.
* **sect (Greek, _haíresis_):** While this word can broadly mean a "choice," "school of thought," or "party" (e.g., the Pharisees or Sadducees were "sects" within Judaism), in this context, it carries a negative connotation. It implies a schism, a faction, or a deviant group that has separated from accepted norms or a larger body. By labeling Christianity as a distinct "sect," the Jewish leaders aimed to portray it as an unauthorized and potentially dangerous religious movement, distinct from the legally sanctioned Judaism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we have found this man a pestilent fellow":** This opening clause immediately establishes the accusers' negative judgment of Paul, painting him as a dangerous and undesirable individual. The term "pestilent" (λοιμός) is a severe character assassination, aiming to undermine any credibility Paul might have had by portraying him as a source of societal ill.
* **"and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world":** This is the most politically charged and serious accusation. It alleges that Paul is actively instigating rebellion and unrest not just locally, but among Jewish communities across the entire Roman Empire (the "world," referring to the *oikoumene* or inhabited Roman world). This charge directly appeals to Governor Felix's responsibility to maintain Roman order and security, making Paul appear as a threat to imperial stability.
* **"and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes":** This final accusation identifies Paul as the prominent leader ("ringleader" or chief champion) of a specific religious group. The term "Nazarenes" was a derogatory label for followers of Jesus of Nazareth, linking them to a despised origin. By calling them a "sect" (αἵρεσις), the accusers aimed to classify Christianity as an illicit and unauthorized religious movement, distinct from Judaism, which enjoyed legal protection under Roman law. This was a strategic move to deny Christians legal standing and justify their persecution.

#### Literary Devices
Tertullus's accusations in Acts 24:5 employ several powerful **literary devices** to achieve their persuasive effect. The use of **ad hominem** attack is evident in the phrase "a pestilent fellow," which aims to discredit Paul's character rather than address his actions or teachings directly. This is a form of **character assassination**, painting him as a public menace. Furthermore, the phrase "among all the Jews throughout the world" is a clear example of **hyperbole**, exaggerating the scope and impact of Paul's alleged sedition to magnify the perceived threat he posed to Roman order. Lastly, the term "sect of the Nazarenes" functions as a **labeling** device, intended to categorize and diminish the nascent Christian movement by associating it with a despised origin (Nazareth) and portraying it as a deviant, unauthorized faction within Judaism, thereby stripping it of any legal or social legitimacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The accusations against Paul in Acts 24:5 resonate deeply with the recurring biblical theme of the righteous suffering unjustly at the hands of those who oppose God's truth. Just as the prophets before him and Jesus Christ himself were maligned and falsely accused, Paul faces charges that are fundamentally rooted in misunderstanding, religious jealousy, and fear of the disruptive power of the Gospel. This passage highlights that faithfulness to God's calling can often be perceived as rebellion or a threat to the established order by those who cling to worldly power or tradition. The charges against Paul—being a public nuisance, a seditionist, and a leader of a new, unauthorized religious movement—are a testament to the inherent conflict between the values of the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.

* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Persecution for Christ's Name")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 24:5 offers a profound mirror for contemporary believers, reminding us that faithfulness to Christ may at times lead to misunderstanding, misrepresentation, or even false accusations from a world that does not comprehend or welcome the Kingdom of God. Paul's experience underscores that the Gospel, by its very nature, challenges the status quo and calls for a radical reorientation of life and allegiance, which can be perceived as "disruptive" by those whose power or comfort is rooted in worldly systems. We are called to live out our faith boldly, even when it means being labeled or marginalized. This passage encourages us to cultivate resilience in the face of opposition, to stand firm in the truth, and to be prepared to articulate the reason for the hope that is within us, just as Paul did in his subsequent defense. It also serves as a poignant reminder that our primary allegiance is to Christ, and while we seek to live peacefully, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and our values may often be counter-cultural.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our commitment to Christ be perceived as "disruptive" or "unconventional" by the world around us today?**
* **How can we, like Paul, maintain integrity and grace when faced with false accusations or misunderstandings about our faith?**
* **What does it mean to be a "follower of the Nazarene" in a contemporary context, embracing the identity that was once a derogatory label?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul called a "pestilent fellow"?**

Answer: Paul was called a "pestilent fellow" (Greek: *loimós*) by Tertullus to portray him as a public nuisance, a source of trouble, disease, or corruption. This was a highly derogatory term aimed at discrediting Paul's character and suggesting that he was a dangerous agitator who brought disorder wherever he went. It was a rhetorical tactic to prejudice Governor Felix against Paul from the outset of the trial.

**What was the significance of calling Christianity the "sect of the Nazarenes"?**

Answer: The term "sect of the Nazarenes" was a derogatory label used by the Jewish leaders to identify followers of Jesus. It served several purposes: first, it linked believers directly to Jesus of Nazareth, a figure they had rejected and whose humble origins were often disdained (cf. [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come from Nazareth?")). Second, by calling Christianity a "sect" (*hairesis*), they aimed to portray it as an unauthorized, deviant, and potentially dangerous faction that had broken away from mainstream Judaism. This was crucial because Judaism enjoyed legal protection as a *religio licita* under Roman law, whereas an unauthorized "sect" could be suppressed, thus denying early Christians the legal status and protections afforded to Jews.

**Was "sedition" a serious charge under Roman law?**

Answer: Yes, "sedition" (*stásis*), or inciting rebellion, was an extremely serious charge under Roman law. It was considered a capital offense, punishable by death, because it directly threatened the peace, stability, and authority of the Roman Empire. By accusing Paul of being a "mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world," Tertullus was appealing to Governor Felix's primary responsibility to maintain order and effectively accusing Paul of treason, hoping to secure a swift and severe condemnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:5, though detailing false accusations against Paul, powerfully foreshadows and reflects the Christ-centered reality of the Gospel. The very charges leveled against Paul—being a "pestilent fellow," a "mover of sedition," and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes"—mirror the accusations brought against Jesus Himself. Jesus was similarly seen as a "troublemaker" by the religious authorities, accused of blasphemy and sedition against Caesar ([Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Accused of Sedition")). The "sect of the Nazarenes" is, in essence, the body of Christ, those who follow Jesus, the true "Nazarene" prophesied in [Matthew 2:23](/matthew/2-23 "Matthew 2:23 - Jesus Called a Nazarene"). Paul's suffering and trial for the sake of the Gospel are a participation in the sufferings of Christ ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), demonstrating that the path of discipleship often involves facing the same opposition and misunderstanding that Jesus endured. Ultimately, Paul's defense is not merely a defense of himself, but a defense of the resurrected Christ and the truth of His kingdom, which, though not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), profoundly impacts it. The "sect" that was maligned would become the universal Church, empowered by the Spirit of Christ to spread His message throughout the very "world" Paul was accused of disturbing ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")).

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 28:22

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

Acts 24:14

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:

Acts 15:5

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.

Acts 26:5

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Acts 16:20

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

Acts 16:21

And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

Luke 23:2

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.