Acts 24:9

KJV

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the Jews {G2453} also {G2532} assented {G4934}, saying {G5335} that these things {G5023} were {G2192} so {G3779}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Judeans also joined in the accusation and alleged that these were the facts.

Berean Standard Bible

The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true.

American Standard Version

And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 24:9 records the pivotal moment during Paul's trial before Governor Felix when the Jewish accusers, including the high priest Ananias and the elders from Jerusalem, formally and collectively affirmed the severe charges leveled against Paul by their orator, Tertullus. This verse underscores the unified and determined opposition Paul faced, highlighting the gravity of the accusations and setting the stage for Paul's subsequent defense.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 24:9 is situated within the narrative of Paul's trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea, a crucial segment of his extended imprisonment. The preceding verses (Acts 24:1-8) detail the arrival of Paul's accusers from Jerusalem, led by the high priest Ananias, and the eloquent, yet biased, presentation of their case by Tertullus. Tertullus accuses Paul of being a "pestilent fellow," a "mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world," and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5). Immediately following verse 9, Paul is given the opportunity to present his defense (Acts 24:10-21), directly refuting these very charges. This verse, therefore, serves as a formal confirmation of the prosecution's case before the defense begins.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's trial takes place within the Roman legal system, which, unlike Jewish law, typically afforded the accused the right to face their accusers and present a defense. Governor Felix, a Roman procurator of Judea, presided over such cases, balancing Roman legal principles with the need to maintain peace and order in a volatile province. The Jewish leaders, deeply entrenched in their traditions and authority, viewed Paul's teachings as a dangerous deviation from Judaism, especially his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah and the inclusion of Gentiles. Their presence and collective assent underscore the political and religious pressure they sought to exert on Felix, aiming for a swift conviction to neutralize what they perceived as a threat to their established order and influence. Caesarea, as the Roman administrative capital, was the appropriate venue for such a high-profile trial.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the persistent **opposition to the Gospel** and its messengers, echoing the resistance Jesus faced from religious authorities (e.g., [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). The unified assent of the Jewish leaders underscores the theme of **false accusation and injustice**, a recurring motif in the lives of God's prophets and servants. Furthermore, it sets the stage for Paul's unwavering **defense of the truth** and his commitment to Christ, even in the face of severe adversity, reflecting the broader theme of **suffering for righteousness' sake** that permeates the New Testament (e.g., [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ")). The Roman legal setting also subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty** working through human institutions, as Paul's trials ultimately serve to advance the Gospel to new audiences and even to Caesar himself (as foreshadowed in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands with Paul")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **assented (Greek, _syntíthemai'_):** This word (G4934) means "to place jointly," and figuratively, "to consent, bargain, stipulate, or concur." In this context, it signifies a formal and collective agreement or endorsement. It's more than passive observation; it denotes an active, shared affirmation of the accusations. The Jewish delegation was not merely present but actively "placing their agreement together" with Tertullus's statements, signifying their full support for the prosecution's case.
* **saying (Greek, _pháskō'_):** This term (G5335) means "to assert" or "to profess." It implies a strong, declarative statement, not just a casual remark. By "saying" that these things were so, the accusers were making a definitive and public affirmation of the truthfulness of Tertullus's charges. This verb emphasizes the verbal and explicit nature of their agreement, solidifying their stance before the Roman governor.
* **so (Greek, _hoútō'_):** This adverb (G3779) means "in this way" or "thus," referring back to what has just been stated. In this verse, it directly points to Tertullus's preceding accusations. When the Jews assented "that these things were so," they were confirming that the charges of Paul being a "pestilent fellow," a "mover of sedition," and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" were true in their estimation. It is a comprehensive affirmation of the entire preceding accusation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Jews also assented":** This clause highlights the collective and unified nature of the opposition against Paul. "The Jews" here refers specifically to the delegation that came from Jerusalem with Ananias, representing the religious and political establishment. Their "assent" (from _syntíthemai_) indicates a deliberate and formal agreement, demonstrating solidarity with Tertullus's accusations. It was a concerted effort, not merely a few individuals, but a recognized group of leaders endorsing the charges.
* **"saying that these things were so":** This phrase clarifies the content of their assent. They were not just nodding in agreement but actively "asserting" (_pháskō_) that the specific accusations leveled by Tertullus were factual and valid. The phrase "these things" directly references the three main charges: Paul being a public nuisance, a seditionist, and a leader of a heretical sect. Their declaration "were so" (_hoútō_) confirms their belief in the veracity of every part of the accusation, setting a clear line of contention for Paul's subsequent defense.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Legal Testimony** as a device, presenting the formal affirmation of the prosecution's case. This is not merely an opinion but a sworn statement within a judicial setting, lending gravity to the charges. The phrase "the Jews also assented, saying" underscores **Unanimous Agreement**, emphasizing the collective will and solidarity of Paul's opponents. This unanimity aims to impress upon Governor Felix the widespread nature of the perceived threat Paul posed. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play. From the perspective of the accusers, their statements are true and just, yet from the divine perspective, and as the narrative will reveal, Paul is innocent of these specific charges, and their accusations are driven by misunderstanding and religious zeal rather than objective truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 24:9 powerfully illustrates the reality of opposition faced by those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel. The unified assent of the Jewish leaders against Paul is a stark reminder that truth often encounters organized resistance, particularly when it challenges established religious or societal norms. This scene resonates with the broader biblical theme of the world's hostility towards God's messengers, a hostility rooted in spiritual blindness and resistance to divine truth. It underscores the spiritual conflict inherent in the spread of the Kingdom of God, where human legal proceedings become a stage for cosmic drama.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 24:9 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that the path of faith is rarely without opposition. Just as Paul faced unified and seemingly credible accusations, we too may encounter misunderstanding, slander, or even formal opposition when we stand for biblical truth in a world increasingly hostile to it. This verse calls us to cultivate resilience and courage, knowing that our vindication ultimately rests with God, not human courts or public opinion. It encourages us to examine our own hearts: are we quick to assent to popular narratives, or do we diligently seek truth, even when it is unpopular? Furthermore, it challenges us to pray for those who are unjustly accused or persecuted for their faith, and to be prepared to articulate our beliefs with grace and conviction, much as Paul would do in the subsequent verses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unified opposition Paul faced in Acts 24:9 relate to instances of collective opposition to Christian values or truths in our contemporary society?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be tempted to "assent" to popular opinions or accusations without fully discerning the truth, similar to the Jewish leaders here?**
* **How can we prepare ourselves to stand firm and articulate our faith when faced with misunderstanding or false accusations, drawing strength from Paul's example?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "Jews" assenting to Tertullus's charges?**

Answer: The "Jews" in this context refers to the high priest Ananias and the elders who accompanied him from Jerusalem (Acts 24:1). Their assent was highly significant because it represented the official and collective endorsement of the Jewish religious leadership present at the trial. It lent considerable weight and credibility to Tertullus's accusations in the eyes of the Roman governor, Felix. It demonstrated that the charges against Paul were not merely the opinion of one orator but the unanimous conviction of a powerful and influential delegation, thereby increasing the pressure on Felix to convict Paul. This unified front aimed to show the Roman authorities that Paul was a widespread threat to peace and order, not just a minor religious dispute.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:9, while detailing Paul's unjust trial, profoundly points to the Christ-centered reality of suffering and vindication. Paul's experience of being falsely accused and unanimously condemned by religious authorities directly mirrors the trials of Jesus Himself. Just as the Jewish leaders "assented" to Tertullus's charges against Paul, so too did the chief priests and elders "accuse" Jesus before Pilate, with the crowds ultimately crying out for His crucifixion (e.g., [Matthew 27:20-23](/matthew/27-20-23 "Matthew 27:20-23 - Jesus Condemned")). Paul, as a servant of Christ, walked in the footsteps of his Master, enduring the same kind of human injustice and religious animosity. Yet, in both cases, the apparent triumph of human opposition ultimately served God's sovereign plan. Paul's imprisonment and trials, like Christ's crucifixion, were not defeats but divinely orchestrated opportunities for the Gospel to advance, bringing the message of salvation to Roman officials and ultimately to the imperial court itself (as seen in [Acts 28:30-31](/acts/28-30-31 "Acts 28:30-31 - Paul Preaches in Rome")). Thus, Paul's suffering for the "sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5) is a powerful echo of Christ's own suffering, demonstrating that faithfulness to the crucified and risen Lord often involves sharing in His rejection, yet always with the promise of ultimate divine vindication and the unstoppable progress of His kingdom (e.g., [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")).

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

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Micah 7:2

The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

Micah 7:3

That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

Micah 6:12

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth.

Micah 6:13

Therefore also will I make [thee] sick in smiting thee, in making [thee] desolate because of thy sins.

Psalms 62:3

How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence.

Psalms 62:4

They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.