Acts 24:1-8

The Accusation against Paul

1 After five days Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer[a] named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor.
2 When he was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: "Since we enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation by your foresight,
3 we gratefully receive them always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
4 However, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing.
5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes!
6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him [and wanted to judge him according to our law.
7 But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you.][b]
8 By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things of which we accuse him."

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Gk rhetor; compare the Eng "rhetoric," "rhetorician"-an orator skilled in public speaking. In this situation, skill in the Gk language was needed.
  • [b]. Other mss omit bracketed text
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