Acts 24:19
What does Acts 24:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:19 means
Paul points out that the Jews from Asia—the ones who first raised the outcry—ought to be present to accuse him if they have anything against him. This appeals to a fundamental principle of justice: accusers must face the accused. Their absence speaks loudly. If their case were strong, they would be there. By raising this, Paul exposes a procedural flaw that undermines the prosecution. Without eyewitnesses, the charges are hearsay. He is inviting Felix to uphold proper legal standards rather than bow to pressure or polished speeches.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And it would have been better if they had come here to make a statement, if they have anything against me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whom it behoveth to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had anything against me,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee and to accuse, if they had anything against me:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who ought to appear before thee and accuse, if they have anything against me;
Context
After naming the Jews from Asia in verse 18, Paul now makes the legal implication explicit: they should be present to testify. Verse 19 thus shifts the focus to the integrity of the proceedings. In verse 20, he will challenge the current accusers to name any concrete wrongdoing discovered before the council. Then verse 21 will reveal the sole point of dispute: his proclamation about the resurrection, which recasts the trial as a theological controversy, not a civic crime.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 25:16
To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him.
- Acts 23:30
And when it was shown to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to thee forthwith, charging his accusers also to speak against him before thee.
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