Acts 24:1
What does Acts 24:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:1 means
Five days after Paul had been transferred under Roman protection, the high priest Ananias arrives with some elders and a professional spokesman named Tertullus to lay charges before the governor. This shows the determination and influence of Paul’s opponents: they escalate a religious dispute into a legal case before Rome’s representative. By hiring an orator, they aim to sway the court through polished rhetoric. The scene reminds us that following God can bring a servant into high-stakes public scrutiny. Yet even this hostile gathering becomes a stage where truth and the gospel’s integrity can stand before power without fear.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, andwithan orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, andwithan orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after five days, the high priest, Ananias, came with certain of the rulers, and an expert talker, one Tertullus; and they made a statement to Felix against Paul.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And after five days came down the chief priest Ananias, with the elders, and a certain orator--Tertullus, and they made manifest to the governor <FI>the things<Fi> against Paul;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And after five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with some ancients and one Tertullus, an orator, who went to the governor against Paul.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And after five days came down the high priest Ananias, with the elders, and a certain orator called Tertullus, and laid their informations against Paul before the governor.
Context
Acts 24 opens by moving quickly from Paul’s transfer to the formal hearing. The leaders, unwilling to let the matter rest, come to prosecute him. Verse 1 sets the cast: Ananias, elders, Tertullus, and Governor Felix. Their presence signals that the accusation will be serious and politically framed. This verse prepares readers for Tertullus’s speech in verses 2–8, which will mix flattery, law, and insinuation. It also frames Paul’s later defense (verses 10–21) as a response not to rumor but to official charges.
v.1This passage
v.2And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 23:2
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
- Acts 23:24
and he bade them provide beasts, that they might set Paul thereon, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
- Acts 12:21
And upon a set day Herod arrayed himself in royal apparel, and sat on the throne, and made an oration unto them.
- Acts 23:35
I will hear thee fully, said he, when thine accusers also are come: and he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s palace.
- Acts 25:2
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him,
- Isaiah 3:3
the captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counsellor, and the expert artificer, and the skilful enchanter.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 24
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 24.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…