Acts 24:4
What does Acts 24:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:4 means
Tertullus pivots from praise to procedure, asking Felix to indulge a brief presentation. He frames his speech as concise and respectful of the governor’s time. This is tactical: it suggests the case is so clear it needs little argument, priming the judge to accept the charges without extended scrutiny. The orator claims humility while seeking to control the narrative. Such moves remind us that in human courts, appearances can weigh heavily. Yet the coming verses will show that truth, though quieter, can stand when examined. Paul will welcome scrutiny; his accusers, less so.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But, so that I may not make you tired, I make a request to you of your mercy, to give hearing to a short statement.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and that I may not be further tedious to thee, I pray thee to hear us concisely in thy gentleness;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in a few words.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But that I may not too much intrude on thy time, I beseech thee to hear us briefly in thy kindness.
Context
With the preface complete, verse 4 transitions to the accusation proper. By promising brevity, Tertullus sets the expectation of obvious guilt. Verses 5–6 will follow with a trio of serious allegations—political, social, and religious. Verse 8 will push Felix to verify matters himself, and verse 9 will add a chorus of agreement from the Jews. This flow contrasts markedly with Paul’s measured, evidence-based defense beginning in verse 10.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:32
And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets:
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