Bible Strands
Acts 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman governor Felix after Felix gestures for him to speak. This occurs immediately after the Jewish accusers affirm that their charges against him are true.
The words — The Greek ἡγεμόνος (hēgemonos) literally means "governor," identifying Felix's civil jurisdiction. The verb ἀπεκρίθη (apekrithē) translates to "answered," marking Paul's formal legal reply to the summons.
The thread — The mandate to prepare a defense appears in 1 Peter 3:15, while the boundary between human judgment and divine authority is drawn in Luke 12:14 and 1 Samuel 2:25.
Why it lands — The text establishes that civil procedure does not negate factual accountability. A reader must therefore deliver clear testimony regardless of the forum or the audience's hostility.
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
Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
- 1 Samuel 2:25 If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.
- Luke 12:14 But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?”
- Luke 18:2 “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men.
- Acts 12:17 Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.
- Acts 13:16 Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!
- Acts 18:15 But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.”
- Acts 19:33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.
- Acts 23:24 Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”
- Acts 26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: