Acts Chapter 24 · Verse 1
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.
Original Language Analysis
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 22
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
7 of 22
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρων
the elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρων
the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
11 of 22
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ῥήτορος
orator
G4489
ῥήτορος
orator
Strong's:
G4489
Word #:
13 of 22
a speaker, i.e., (by implication) a forensic advocate
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγεμόνι
the governor
G2232
ἡγεμόνι
the governor
Strong's:
G2232
Word #:
19 of 22
a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
20 of 22
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
Acts 23:2And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.Acts 25:2Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,Acts 24:11Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.Acts 21:27And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,Acts 23:30And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.Acts 23:24And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.Acts 23:35I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.Psalms 11:2For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
Historical Context
Tertullus's Latin name suggests he was a professional advocate familiar with Roman legal procedures. Jewish leaders regularly hired such advocates for important Roman proceedings, showing the interface between Jewish and Roman legal cultures.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when opposition becomes organized, professional, and well-resourced?
- What does this teach about the spiritual significance of your witness when it provokes such determined opposition?
Analysis & Commentary
The high priest Ananias's personal descent to Caesarea demonstrates the Jewish leadership's determination to prosecute Paul. Hiring Tertullus, a professional rhetorician (likely Roman or Hellenized), shows their strategic approach using someone skilled in Roman legal oratory. The 'five days' indicates urgent pursuit, revealing how seriously they viewed Paul as a threat to their religious system.