Acts 24:10

10 And when the governor had motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: "Realizing that for many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.

Acts 24:10 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 24:10

Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned unto him to
speak
Tertullus having finished his account, Paul was silent to his charge and calumnies, until the governor beckoned with his hand or head, or made some sign to him to speak for himself; which he might not do, until leave was given him; and then he

answered
as follows:

forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto
this nation;
some say he was in the thirteenth, others in the tenth year of his government; some copies read a "just judge"; but this does not so well agree with the character of Felix; (See Gill on Acts 24:27).

I do the more cheerfully answer for myself;
since if he had been such a mover of sedition everywhere, he must in this course of years have known or heard something of it; and seeing also he could be no stranger to the temper of the Jews, that they were given to envy, revenge, lying, and perjury, and therefore would not easily believe all they said, or rashly take their part, but rather would pity the apostle, who had fallen into such hands, and do him justice.

Acts 24:10 In-Context

8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him about everything of which we accuse him."

9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all this was so.

10 And when the governor had motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: "Realizing that for many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.

11 As you may ascertain, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem;

12 and they did not find me disputing with any one or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues, or in the city.