Acts 24:8

KJV

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Commanding {G2753} his {G846} accusers {G2725} to come {G2064} unto {G1909} thee {G4571}: by examining {G350} of {G3844} whom {G3739} thyself {G846} mayest {G1410} take knowledge {G1921} of {G4012} all {G3956} these things {G5130}, whereof {G3739} we {G2249} accuse {G2723} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By questioning this man yourself, you will be able to learn all about the things of which we are accusing him.”

Berean Standard Bible

By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”

American Standard Version

from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 24:8 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's trial before Governor Felix, where the orator Tertullus, representing the Jewish high priest and elders, concludes his opening accusation. Having leveled serious charges against Paul, Tertullus boldly challenges Felix to personally investigate the claims by cross-examining Paul's accusers, confident that such an inquiry will confirm the veracity of their allegations. This verse sets the stage for Paul's subsequent defense, highlighting the adversarial nature of the Roman legal proceedings and the accusers' strategic attempt to secure a conviction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the concluding appeal of Tertullus's opening statement against Paul before Governor Felix in Caesarea. Tertullus begins with effusive flattery directed at Felix, acknowledging his "most excellent" rule and the peace and reforms he has brought to the province ([Acts 24:2-4](/acts/24-2-4 "Acts 24:2-4 - Tertullus's Flattery of Felix")). Following this strategic preamble, Tertullus launches into three primary accusations against Paul: that he is a "pestilent fellow" (a plague or public nuisance), a "mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world" (a political agitator), and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" (a religious deviant). He also adds the charge of attempting to "profane the temple" in Jerusalem ([Acts 24:5-6](/acts/24-5-6 "Acts 24:5-6 - Tertullus's Accusations Against Paul")). Acts 24:8 then serves as Tertullus's confident invitation for Felix to personally verify these grave charges by interrogating the Jewish leaders who accompanied him, implying that their testimony would be irrefutable. This direct challenge establishes the framework for Paul's forthcoming defense, which begins shortly thereafter ([Acts 24:10-21](/acts/24-10-21 "Acts 24:10-21 - Paul's Defense Before Felix")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Paul before Felix occurred in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman administrative capital of Judea. Felix, a procurator appointed by Emperor Claudius, held significant judicial and military authority. Roman legal proceedings, while often influenced by political expediency or personal gain, typically involved a formal accusation, a defense, and the examination of witnesses. The Jewish leaders, including the high priest Ananias and certain elders, had traveled from Jerusalem to Caesarea specifically to press their case against Paul, underscoring the intensity of their animosity and their determination to see him condemned. Their motivation stemmed from a combination of religious zeal (Paul's preaching of Christ was seen as heresy and a threat to traditional Judaism) and political concern (his activities were perceived as causing unrest among Jews throughout the empire). The demand for Felix to "examine" the accusers reflects a standard legal tactic, where the prosecution invites scrutiny to bolster the perceived strength of their case, even if, as in Felix's case, justice could be swayed by ulterior motives like the hope of a bribe ([Acts 24:26](/acts/24-26 "Acts 24:26 - Felix's Hope for a Bribe")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **judicial process and the pursuit of truth**, albeit within a flawed human system. Tertullus's demand for examination underscores the Roman legal principle of hearing evidence, even if its application was imperfect. Secondly, the verse reinforces the recurring theme of **false accusation against God's servants**. Paul, like Jesus before him, faces baseless charges driven by religious and political animosity, illustrating the opposition that often confronts those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel. This trial serves as another instance where Paul is given the opportunity to bear witness to Christ before powerful Roman officials, fulfilling the divine commission given to him ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission to Gentiles and Kings")). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty**, as these human legal proceedings, despite their injustice, are ultimately under God's control and serve His purposes in advancing the Gospel message and protecting His chosen instruments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanding (Greek, _keleúō'_):** From G2753, meaning "to incite by word, i.e., order." Tertullus uses this term to convey a sense of authority and expectation, not merely a suggestion. It frames his request as a formal legal demand, putting the onus on Governor Felix to act upon the presented accusations. This choice of word emphasizes the prosecutor's confidence and the weight he believes his charges carry.
* **Examining (Greek, _anakrínō'_):** From G350, meaning "to scrutinize, i.e., investigate, interrogate, determine." This word denotes a thorough and rigorous judicial inquiry, implying a cross-examination rather than a superficial hearing. Tertullus is not asking Felix to simply listen to their claims but to actively and deeply investigate the witnesses, suggesting that the truth will be undeniable upon such scrutiny.
* **take knowledge (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** From G1921, meaning "to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge." This term goes beyond mere awareness; it implies a full, accurate, and conclusive understanding or recognition of the facts. Tertullus is asserting that through Felix's examination, he will not just hear the accusations but will fully comprehend and acknowledge their truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Commanding his accusers to come unto thee:"** This phrase highlights Tertullus's role as the prosecuting attorney, formally instructing or urging Felix to summon the Jewish leaders who accompanied him. It signifies a direct legal challenge and an assertion of the prosecution's readiness to present their case and supporting witnesses directly before the governor for his personal assessment and judgment.
* **"by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things,"** This clause specifies the method by which Felix is to ascertain the truth: a direct and thorough interrogation or cross-examination of the accusers themselves. Tertullus implies that the veracity of their claims will become unequivocally clear through Felix's personal and rigorous scrutiny of their testimonies, thereby underscoring Felix's ultimate judicial authority and responsibility to determine the facts.
* **"whereof we accuse him."** This concluding phrase succinctly reiterates the purpose of the proposed examination. It directly links the suggested investigation back to the specific charges that Tertullus has just leveled against Paul on behalf of the Jewish high priest and elders, emphasizing that the entire proceeding revolves around substantiating these accusations.

#### Literary Devices
Tertullus's speech, culminating in this verse, is a prime example of **rhetoric** employed in a legal setting. He strategically uses **flattery** at the outset to curry favor with Felix, setting a positive tone before launching into his accusations. The verse itself employs a form of **challenge**, as Tertullus confidently dares Felix to scrutinize their claims, implying that the evidence is so overwhelming it will withstand any rigorous examination. There is also an underlying **irony** in Tertullus's demand for examination; while he intends it to solidify the false accusations, this very process will ultimately provide Paul with the platform to present the truth and expose the baselessness of the charges. The confidence of the accusers stands in stark **antithesis** to the truth that Paul is about to reveal, creating dramatic tension in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 24:8, while seemingly a straightforward legal maneuver, resonates with profound theological and thematic connections. It underscores the biblical reality that those who stand for truth, especially the truth of the Gospel, often face unjust accusations and trials. This verse highlights the tension between human legal systems, which can be manipulated and corrupted, and the divine standard of justice. It reminds us that God's plan often unfolds amidst human opposition, using even adversarial circumstances as opportunities for His servants to bear witness. The demand for examination, though intended to condemn Paul, ultimately serves as a platform for him to articulate his faith and defend the Gospel, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in human affairs.

* [Psalm 35:11](/psalms/35-11 "Psalm 35:11 - False Witnesses Rise Up")
* [Proverbs 18:17](/proverbs/18-17 "Proverbs 18:17 - The First to Plead His Case")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Be Ready to Give an Answer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 24:8 offers significant lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that opposition and false accusations are not new to the Christian journey. Just as Paul faced baseless charges, we too may encounter misunderstanding, slander, or even legal challenges for our faith. In such moments, Paul's composure and reliance on truth provide a powerful example. We are called to stand firm in integrity, trusting that God will vindicate His truth in His time. Secondly, the verse implicitly calls for a commitment to truth and justice in all spheres of life. While Felix's court was flawed, the principle of thorough examination and fair judgment remains vital. As believers, we should advocate for justice and truth, and when we are involved in disputes, we should seek to present facts with clarity and honesty. Finally, Paul's trial demonstrates that God can use even the most challenging circumstances as opportunities for witness. His imprisonment ultimately led him to preach the Gospel before governors and kings, furthering the Kingdom. This encourages us to view our own trials not merely as obstacles, but as potential platforms for God's redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when I am falsely accused or misunderstood, whether in personal relationships or public life?**
* **In what ways can I uphold truth and integrity in my daily interactions, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**
* **How does Paul's example of calmly facing his accusers and preparing a defense encourage me in my own faith journey when facing opposition?**

### FAQ
**Why did Tertullus specifically ask Felix to examine the accusers?**

Answer: Tertullus's request for Felix to personally examine the accusers was a calculated legal maneuver. By inviting the governor to interrogate the witnesses directly, Tertullus aimed to convey supreme confidence in the strength and irrefutability of their accusations against Paul. This tactic was designed to impress upon Felix that the evidence was so compelling it would withstand any scrutiny, thereby putting the burden of proof on Felix to investigate and confirm the charges rather than simply accepting Tertullus's rhetorical presentation. It was a way to underscore the apparent weight of the prosecution's case and pressure the judge towards a conviction.

**What was the immediate outcome of this "examination" request?**

Answer: While Felix did not immediately proceed with the direct "examination" of the accusers as Tertullus specifically requested, he did hear Paul's subsequent defense ([Acts 24:10-21](/acts/24-10-21 "Acts 24:10-21 - Paul's Defense Before Felix")). Following Paul's eloquent and truthful rebuttal, Felix, "having a more perfect knowledge of that way" (referring to Christianity), adjourned the case, stating he would make a decision when Lysias the commander arrived ([Acts 24:22](/acts/24-22 "Acts 24:22 - Felix Adjourns the Case")). However, Felix notoriously delayed justice, keeping Paul imprisoned for two years, largely because he hoped Paul or his associates would offer him a bribe ([Acts 24:26](/acts/24-26 "Acts 24:26 - Felix's Hope for a Bribe")). This outcome highlights the corruption within the Roman legal system and the political motivations that often overshadowed true justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:8, with its focus on false accusation and the demand for examination, profoundly foreshadows and reflects the ultimate trial of Christ. Just as Paul faced baseless charges from zealous religious leaders, so too did Jesus stand before the Sanhedrin and Roman authorities, enduring a barrage of false witnesses and accusations ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). The accusers in Paul's trial, confident in their lies, mirror those who condemned the innocent Lamb of God, who, "as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter")). Paul, as a faithful servant and imitator of Christ, embodies the pattern of suffering unjustly for righteousness' sake. Ultimately, the demand for examination in this verse points to the divine examination of all humanity. Christ Himself is the true and righteous judge, before whom all truth will be revealed and all falsehood exposed. His resurrection is the ultimate vindication against all false accusations, proving His innocence and triumph over sin and death. Through Him, believers, though often accused by the "accuser of our brethren" ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser Cast Down")), find their ultimate defense and justification, not in human courts, but in the perfect righteousness of their Savior.

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 25:15

About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed [me], desiring [to have] judgment against him.

Acts 25:16

To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

Acts 25:5

Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with [me], and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

Acts 23:35

I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

Acts 23:30

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what [they had] against him. Farewell.