Acts 24:11
Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
Original Language Analysis
γνῶναι
understand
G1097
γνῶναι
understand
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
3 of 17
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πλείους
G4119
πλείους
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
6 of 17
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
ἡμέραι
days
G2250
ἡμέραι
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
9 of 17
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
ἀφ'
since
G575
ἀφ'
since
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
12 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἡς
G3739
ἡς
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
The twelve days included travel to Jerusalem, the seven-day purification (Acts 21:27), and time before arrest. Paul's precise accounting reflects the historical accuracy characteristic of Luke's narrative.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your confidence in truth allow you to invite investigation rather than fear scrutiny?
- What does this teach about the power of specific, verifiable details in defending against false accusations?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's verifiable timeline - 'no more than twelve days' - allowed Felix to investigate the facts. This specific, checkable detail demonstrates Paul's confidence in truth. The stated purpose 'to worship' directly refuted charges of sedition or temple profanation, showing Paul's real intent was religious devotion within Jewish custom.