Bible Strands
Acts 24:2
When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Tertullus, a lawyer accompanying the high priest Ananias and elders, addresses Governor Felix after Paul is summoned into the courtroom. He opens the prosecution by offering calculated praise to the governor.
The words — The Greek ἤρξατο κατηγορεῖν (ērxato katēgorein) literally means "began to accuse," marking the formal start of the legal proceedings. The participle κληθέντος (klēthentos) indicates the procedural trigger, "when [Paul] had been called in."
The thread — This pattern of strategic flattery preceding an accusation echoes Proverbs 29:5 and Proverbs 26:28, which warn that flattering words conceal a net or cause ruin. The governor’s subsequent expectation of a bribe (Acts 24:26) confirms the manipulative nature of the praise.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition of how legal arguments can be dressed in false praise to secure favor. It requires the reader to evaluate the speaker’s true motives behind the stated gratitude.
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 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,
Cross-references
- Proverbs 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
- Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
- Acts 24:26 At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.
- Psalms 10:3 For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
- Psalms 12:2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
- Jude 1:16 These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.