Acts 24:3
What does Acts 24:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:3 means
Continuing his preface, Tertullus expresses broad thankfulness to Felix, addressing him with a respectful title. The appeal is meant to secure a favorable disposition before the facts are weighed. This moment highlights a common temptation in public disputes: to lean on power and compliments rather than truth. The orator’s polish attempts to create a sense of gratitude that will predispose the court against Paul. Soon, however, the contrast will sharpen as Paul—without embellishment—will appeal to verifiable events and shared beliefs grounded in the Scriptures, rather than to the governor’s vanity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In all things and in all places we are conscious of our great debt to you, most noble Felix.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862always, also, and everywhere we receive it, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890we receive [it] always and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
Context
The introduction is still unfolding. Verse 3 completes Tertullus’s flattery, which functions as the rhetorical runway for the accusations to take off. It sets a deferential tone that he then uses to request the court’s patience in verse 4. After that, he will state the substantive charges (verses 5–6, 8–9). Recognizing this structure helps the reader not to be swayed by the polish of the opening and to wait for the evidence, which Paul will later challenge.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 1:3
it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;
- Acts 23:26
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.
- Acts 26:25
But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.
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