Bible Strands
Acts 24:1
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The high priest Ananias, accompanied by elders and the lawyer Tertullus, arrives at the governor’s residence to present a formal legal case against Paul. Tertullus then addresses the governor to open the prosecution.
The words — The Greek verb κατέβη (katebē) literally means “came down,” marking the high priest’s physical descent to the provincial seat. The title ἀρχιερεὺς (archiereus) identifies Ananias as the presiding Jewish religious authority.
The thread — Ananias appears earlier in Acts 23:2 when he orders Paul struck, and Paul later clarifies the timeline in Acts 24:11 by noting he arrived in Jerusalem only twelve days prior. The structure of a formal accusation against a righteous figure echoes the warning in Psalms 11:2 about the wicked aiming arrows at the upright.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize the specific timing and official composition of the charges brought against Paul. It establishes the procedural framework that will govern the subsequent trial before the governor.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
Cross-references
- Acts 23:2 At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.
- Acts 24:11 You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
- Psalms 11:2 For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
- Acts 21:27 When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,
- Acts 23:24 Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”
- Acts 23:30 When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also instructed his accusers to present their case against him before you.
- Acts 23:35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.
- Acts 25:2 where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus
- Isaiah 3:3 the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.
- Acts 12:21 On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people.