Acts 24:2

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

And {G1161} when he {G846} was called forth {G2564}, Tertullus {G5061} began {G756} to accuse {G2723} him, saying {G3004}, Seeing that by {G1223} thee {G4675} we enjoy {G5177} great {G4183} quietness {G1515}, and {G2532} that very worthy deeds {G2735} are done {G1096} unto this {G5129} nation {G1484} by {G1223} thy {G4674} providence {G4307},

Sha’ul was called, and Tertullus began to make the charges: “Felix, your Excellency, it is because of you that we enjoy unbroken peace, and it is your foresight that has brought to this nation

When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.

And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation,

Commentary

Acts 24:2 (KJV): "And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,"

Commentary on Acts 24:2

This verse introduces the beginning of the formal legal proceedings against the Apostle Paul before the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea. The Jewish leaders from Jerusalem, having followed Paul, have hired a professional orator, Tertullus, to present their case.

Context

Paul had been brought to Caesarea under heavy guard after being arrested in Jerusalem and learning of a plot against his life (Acts 23:23-24). The high priest Ananias and several elders arrived five days later to press charges against him. Tertullus's speech is the initial presentation of their accusation.

Key Themes

  • Flattery as a Tactic: Tertullus opens his speech with effusive praise for Governor Felix, attributing peace and prosperity ("great quietness," "worthy deeds") to his rule. This was a common, though often insincere, rhetorical strategy in Roman courts to gain favor with the judge before presenting the actual charges.
  • Setting the Stage for Accusation: This verse serves as a preamble, softening the ground and establishing the authority and positive impact of the judge before launching into the specific accusations against Paul.
  • Political Rhetoric: The language used highlights the political maneuvering involved in the trial, where winning favor through eloquent speech was often as important as the substance of the charges.

Linguistic Insights

The term "providence" used here (Greek: pronoia) literally means 'forethought' or 'provision'. While it can have theological connotations, applying it to a human ruler like Felix underscores the highly complimentary and possibly exaggerated nature of Tertullus's opening remarks, designed purely for political effect.

Reflection and Application

Tertullus's approach in this verse serves as a reminder of how flattery can be used to manipulate situations or people. It contrasts sharply with Paul's later defense, which focuses on truth and conscience (Acts 24:10-21). The passage encourages believers to value sincerity and truthfulness over manipulative rhetoric, even in challenging circumstances.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 29:5 (4 votes)

    ¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

  • Proverbs 26:28 (3 votes)

    ¶ A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

  • Acts 24:26 (3 votes)

    He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

  • Acts 24:27 (3 votes)

    But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

  • Jude 1:16 (2 votes)

    These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

  • Psalms 12:2 (2 votes)

    They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

  • Psalms 12:3 (2 votes)

    The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things: