Acts 24:12
And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
5 of 22
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
πρός
with
G4314
πρός
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
διαλεγόμενον
disputing
G1256
διαλεγόμενον
disputing
Strong's:
G1256
Word #:
10 of 22
to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)
ἐπισύστασιν
raising up
G1999
ἐπισύστασιν
raising up
Strong's:
G1999
Word #:
12 of 22
a conspiracy, i.e., concourse (riotous or friendly)
ποιοῦντα
G4160
ποιοῦντα
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
13 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὄχλου
the people
G3793
ὄχλου
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
14 of 22
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
G4864
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
18 of 22
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
κατὰ
in
G2596
κατὰ
in
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 25:8While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.Acts 28:17And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.Acts 24:18Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
Historical Context
Paul's defense could be verified by multiple witnesses. His appeal to evidence rather than merely protesting innocence reflects confidence that investigation would vindicate him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does walking in integrity allow you to invite scrutiny rather than fear examination?
- What does this teach about the importance of maintaining conduct that can withstand investigation?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul systematically denied each element: no disputing with anyone, no stirring up crowds, no profaning temple or synagogue or city. The Greek structure emphasizes complete denial - 'neither... nor... nor... nor.' This direct refutation of specific charges, inviting verification, shows the strength of truth compared to vague accusations based on prejudice.