Acts 24

1 after five days. Probably on the fifth day: see note on ver. 11.

descended. That is, went down from Jerusalem to Cæsarea.

a certain orator. An advocate in the courts of law. Tertullus may have been one of the young Roman advocates who trained themselves for the forum at home by practising in the provincial courts. In accordance with the forms of Roman law, the accusers lay information against the defendant; he is summoned; and the advocate brings forward the charges. On the three charges brought against Paul, viz., sedition, heresy, and profanation of the Temple, the first was best suited to make the prisoner obnoxious to Felix.

3 always. “In every way and everywhere.”

5 a pestilent fellow. Lit., “a pest.”

the Nazarenes. The name of reproach which the Jews gave the Christians.

6 the Temple. Which the Romans had engaged to keep sacred.

would have judged according to our law. The words beginning with “and” (ver. 6) and ending with the first clause of ver. 8, are omitted by the best authorities. If the passage is genuine, it contains a false statement on the part of the Jews; the Jews were beating Paul to death when Lysias rescued him without violence.

8 whom. i.e., Paul. The advocate rests his case on the examination of the prisoner himself. “He cannot deny these statements.”

9 assented. Rather, “joined in the charge.”

10 many years. Felix had governed Samaria under Cumanus; and had since been procurator of

Judæa about six years (xxiii. 24), which was longer than the average.

11 thou mayest understand. Rather, “thou canst ascertain.”

twelve days. The reckoning may be this: Arriving at Jerusalem in the evening, Paul meets the elders (first day); joins the devotees (2); on the fifth day after this he is seized (6); he appears before the Sanhedrin (7); is sent to Cæsarea (8); and makes this defence on the fifth day after he had left Jerusalem (12).

14 heresy. Rather, “sect” (R.V.), as in ver. 5. What they call “a sect” is really the proper “way” (see note on ix. 2) of carrying out the religion of our fathers.

15 which they themselves also allow (entertain). Paul takes no notice of the Sadducean minority who had forsaken the ancient faith.

16 herein. Rather, “in this,” i.e., in this hope.

17 alms. This book records nothing more respecting these alms; but Paul’s Epistles, written just before this journey, contain many allusions to them: see Rom. xv. 25, 26, 31; 1 Cor. xvi. 1-4; 2 Cor. viii. 1-4, etc.

offerings. The “offerings” were probably those connected with the performance of the Nazirite vow, xxi. 23-26.

18. Whereupon. Rather, “In which.” Whilst in these actions I was showing my devotion to the people and the Temple, I was met, not by those persons who now appear as my accusers, but by certain foreign Jews, who are the only proper witnesses against me. My accusers here can only speak to what passed when I was brought before them; and all that I said there was an avowal of my faith in the resurrection (21).

22 having more perfect knowledge, etc. Felix knew too much of Christianity (see ver. 10), and of the Jews’ hatred to it, to be easily deceived by their misrepresentations; but he was unwilling to displease them or to lose his chance of a bribe (26) by at once acquitting Paul. He therefore put them off, adopting the suggestion of Tertullus (8).

23 a centurion. Rather, “the centurion,” who had charge of Paul.

liberty (“indulgence”). As much as safe custody would allow.

his acquaintance (“friends”). Including, no doubt, Philip and his household; with Trophimus, Aristarchus, and Luke: see xxi. 8, 9, 29; xxvii. 2.

24. Drusilla. Drusilla was the daughter of Herod Agrippa (xii.), and had been married to Azizus, king of Emesa; but had been persuaded by Felix to desert her husband, and to marry him. Paul was sent for probably to gratify her. As a Jewess, she would naturally be curious to hear the famous Christian preacher.

25 righteousness. “The faith towards Christ” requires personal holiness (Rom. vi.), and sets Him forth as the future Judge (Rom. ii. 16): and Paul did not shrink from discoursing of these before the governor; referring especially to that “righteousness and self-control” which Felix so grossly outraged.

26. He hoped also, etc. Felix perceived that Paul’s friends were numerous, and that they were not either too poor or too selfish to assist one another (17).

27 came into Felix’ room. Felix was recalled by Nero A.D. 60, and was followed by the bitter accusations of the Jews and Samaritans. He escaped with his life, but died in obscurity and disgrace.

to show the Jews a pleasure. Or, “to gain favour with the Jews” (R.V.), whose complaints he would have to answer at Rome. Other governors acted in a similar manner.

left Paul bound. Or, “in bonds.” An increased rigour of imprisonment (see ver. 23) seems to be suggested.