Acts 24:4

4 But lest I tarry thee longer, I pray thee, shortly hear us for thy meekness.

Acts 24:4 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 24:4

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee,
&c.] Suggesting, that he could say a great deal more under this head, but, for brevity sake, should omit it; and because he would not tire his patience, and hinder business going forward:

I pray thee, that thou wouldst hear us of thy clemency a few words;
he praises him for his humanity and good nature, and for his patience in hearing causes, and promises him great conciseness in the account he should give him; and entreats that, according to his wonted goodness, he would condescend to hear what he had to lay before him; all which was artfully said to engage attention to him.

Acts 24:4 In-Context

2 And when Paul was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, and said, When in much peace we do by thee, and many things be amended by thy wisdom, [And Paul summoned, Tertullus began to accuse, saying, When in much peace we do by thee, and many things be amended by thy providence, or wisdom,]

3 evermore and every where, thou best Felix, we have received with all doing of thankings.

4 But lest I tarry thee longer, I pray thee, shortly hear us for thy meekness.

5 We have found this wicked man stirring dissension to all [the] Jews in all the world, and author of dissension of the sect of Nazarenes; [+We have found this man bearing pestilence and stirring sedition, or dissension, to all the Jews in all the world, and author of sedition of the sect of Nazarenes;]

6 and he also endeavored to defoul the temple; whom also we took, and would deem, after our law.