Acts 24:2
What does Acts 24:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:2 means
Tertullus begins with carefully crafted praise for Felix, crediting him with peace and reforms. This is a standard courtroom tactic: win the judge’s favor before presenting the case. The words are more about persuasion than truth, setting a tone of expedient flattery rather than sober justice. The orator’s approach contrasts with Paul’s later plainness. By front-loading compliments, Tertullus aims to tilt the scales against Paul before any evidence is heard. The gospel’s servant will not try to compete with such maneuvering, but will rely on clarity of facts and conscience.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when he had been sent for, Tertullus, starting his statement, said, Because by you we are living in peace, and through your wisdom wrongs are put right for this nation,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse <FI>him<Fi> , saying, `Much peace enjoying through thee, and worthy deeds being done to this nation through thy forethought,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Whereas, through thee we live in much peace and many things are rectified by thy providence,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse, saying, Seeing we enjoy great peace through thee, and that excellent measures are executed for this nation by thy forethought,
Context
Following the introduction of the parties, the hearing begins in earnest. Verse 2 shifts the floor to Tertullus, who uses conventional flattery as his opening. This preface leads directly into his formal accusations in verses 5–6, after a short plea in verses 3–4. The contrast between Tertullus’s rhetorical strategy and Paul’s straightforward defense will be a key thread through the chapter, helping the reader discern substance from show.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
- Acts 24:26
He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
- Psalms 10:3
For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, And the covetous renounceth, yea, contemneth Jehovah.
- Psalms 12:2
They speak falsehood every one with his neighbor: With flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak.
- Jude 1:16
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaketh great swelling words), showing respect of persons for the sake of advantage.
- Proverbs 29:5
A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.
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