Acts 24:10
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:
Original Language Analysis
Ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
Ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 24
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 24
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγεμόνος
after that the governor
G2232
ἡγεμόνος
after that the governor
Strong's:
G2232
Word #:
8 of 24
a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province
λέγειν
to speak
G3004
λέγειν
to speak
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐκ
of
G1537
Ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πολλῶν
many
G4183
πολλῶν
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
11 of 24
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνει
nation
G1484
ἔθνει
nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
17 of 24
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἐπιστάμενος
Forasmuch as I know
G1987
ἐπιστάμενος
Forasmuch as I know
Strong's:
G1987
Word #:
19 of 24
to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
22 of 24
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Historical Context
Felix had governed Judea since AD 52 (about 7-8 years by this point), giving him extensive experience with Jewish religious disputes. His marriage to Drusilla, a Jewess (verse 24), further acquainted him with Jewish matters.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you show appropriate respect to authorities while maintaining integrity and avoiding manipulative flattery?
- What does Paul's confidence teach about finding encouragement in God's providence rather than human favor?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's response - 'thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation' - was tactful acknowledgment without the fawning flattery Tertullus used. Paul's 'more cheerfully' indicates confidence in both his innocence and God's providence. His focus on Felix's experience with Jewish matters suggested the governor could discern truth from the accusations' rhetoric.