Acts 24:10
What does Acts 24:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:10 means
Signaled by the governor, Paul answers respectfully, noting Felix’s experience in judging Jewish matters. Unlike Tertullus, he avoids heavy flattery and simply acknowledges the governor’s tenure. He says he is glad to make his defense, showing a clear conscience and readiness to be examined. The tone is confident but courteous. Paul trusts that truth stands up under scrutiny. He will now set out facts that can be checked and beliefs that align with the Law and the Prophets, demonstrating that he is no threat to public order or true piety.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then when the ruler had given him a sign to make his answer, Paul said, Because I have knowledge that you have been a judge over this nation for a number of years, I am glad to make my answer:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Paul answered--the governor having beckoned to him to speak--`Knowing <FI>that<Fi> for many years thou hast been a judge to this nation, the more cheerfully the things concerning myself I do answer;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Paul answered (the governor making a sign to him to speak): Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for myself.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Paul, the governor having beckoned to him to speak, answered, Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge to this nation, I answer readily as to the things which concern myself.
Context
This verse marks the turning point from accusation to defense. Having heard the prosecution and the crowd’s assent, Felix invites Paul to respond. Paul’s opening sets a different tone—measured and sincere. From here through verse 21, he advances a cohesive case: a short timeline (verse 11), denial of disturbance (verses 12–13), confession of faith in the Way rooted in Scripture (verses 14–15), a clear conscience (verse 16), a charitable mission and purified worship (verses 17–18), and the absence of proper witnesses (verses 19–21).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:1
And Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and made his defence:
- 1 Peter 3:15
but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:
- Luke 12:14
But he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
- Acts 23:24
and he bade them provide beasts, that they might set Paul thereon, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
- Acts 18:15
but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; I am not minded to be a judge of these matters.
- Acts 12:17
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.
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