Gevurot 24:10

10 And when the Moshel nodded to him to speak, Rav Sha’ul answered, "Knowing that for many years you have been a shofet (judge) to this nation, I cheerfully make my hitstaddekut.

Gevurot 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.

Gevurot 24:10 In-Context

8 "When you examine him, you will be able to find out yourself regarding all these things of which we accuse him."

9 And the rest of the Judeans joined in the attack, saying that these things were so.

10 And when the Moshel nodded to him to speak, Rav Sha’ul answered, "Knowing that for many years you have been a shofet (judge) to this nation, I cheerfully make my hitstaddekut.

11 "You will be able to learn that not more than twelve days have elapsed since I made an aliyah to worship in Yerushalayim.

12 "And neither in the Beis Hamikdash did they find me conversing with anyone nor did they find me stirring up the multitude either in the shuls or anywhere in Yerushalayim.