Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
Who {G3739} also {G2532} hath gone about {G3985} to profane {G953} the temple {G2411}:{G2532} whom {G3739} we took {G2902}, and {G2532} would {G2309} have judged {G2919} according {G2596} to our {G2251} law {G3551}.
He even tried to profane the Temple, but we arrested him.
and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold:
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Acts 24:12
And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: -
John 19:7
The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. -
John 19:8
When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; -
Acts 19:37
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. -
Acts 23:10
And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle. -
Acts 23:15
Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. -
John 18:31
Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
Acts 24:6 is part of the formal accusation brought against the Apostle Paul by Tertullus, an orator representing the Jewish high priest Ananias and the elders before Governor Felix in Caesarea. This specific verse highlights a grave charge intended to condemn Paul: "Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law."
Context
Paul's arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-29) was precipitated by a false accusation from Jews from Asia who claimed he had brought Trophimus, a Gentile from Ephesus, into the sacred areas of the temple, thereby defiling it. This was an extremely serious charge under Jewish law, often punishable by death. The Jewish leaders, having apprehended Paul, intended to try and condemn him themselves, but Roman authority intervened, preventing them from carrying out a capital sentence without Roman consent. This limitation on the Jewish authorities' judicial power under Roman rule meant they had to bring the case before a Roman governor like Felix.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word "profane" in Greek is bebeloo (βηβηλόω), meaning to desecrate, defile, or make unholy. It emphasizes the severity of the alleged offense in Jewish eyes, as it implied treating something sacred as common or impure. This accusation was designed to invoke maximum outrage and condemnation from the Jewish community, aiming to turn both Jewish and Roman opinion against Paul.
Reflection and Application
Acts 24:6 reminds us that followers of Christ may face unjust accusations and opposition, particularly when challenging established norms or proclaiming truths that are unwelcome. Paul's unwavering defense (Acts 24:10-21) serves as an example of standing firm in integrity and truth, even when facing powerful adversaries. It encourages believers to trust in God's justice and providence, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate His servants.