Bible Strands
Acts 24:4
But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses Governor Felix during his legal defense, placing this sentence between his opening greeting and his substantive accusations. The text explicitly states his intention to avoid prolonging the audience so he may deliver his remarks concisely.
The words — The Greek πλεῖόν (pleion) means "any longer" and ἐγκόπτω (egkoptō) literally means "to hinder" or "delay." Paul uses these terms to declare that he will not waste the magistrate's time.
The thread — This explicit concern for brevity mirrors the time-constraint motif in Hebrews 11:32, where the author notes that recounting further examples would exceed available time.
Why it lands — The reader must note that Paul deliberately restricts his speech to respect the judge's schedule while preparing to deliver a focused defense.
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
Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 11:32 And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,