Acts 24:2
And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
Original Language Analysis
κληθέντος
when he was called forth
G2564
κληθέντος
when he was called forth
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
1 of 23
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 23
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
κατηγορεῖν
to accuse
G2723
κατηγορεῖν
to accuse
Strong's:
G2723
Word #:
5 of 23
to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγων,
him saying
G3004
λέγων,
him saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πολλῆς
great
G4183
Πολλῆς
great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
9 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
εἰρήνης
quietness
G1515
εἰρήνης
quietness
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
10 of 23
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
τυγχάνοντες
we enjoy
G5177
τυγχάνοντες
we enjoy
Strong's:
G5177
Word #:
11 of 23
akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t
διὰ
Seeing that by
G1223
διὰ
Seeing that by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατορθωμάτων
that very worthy deeds
G2735
κατορθωμάτων
that very worthy deeds
Strong's:
G2735
Word #:
15 of 23
something made fully upright, i.e., (figuratively) rectification (specially, good public administration)
γινομένων
are done
G1096
γινομένων
are done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
16 of 23
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνει
nation
G1484
ἔθνει
nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
18 of 23
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
διὰ
Seeing that by
G1223
διὰ
Seeing that by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
20 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Historical Context
Tertullus, a hired Roman orator, followed standard rhetorical conventions. Felix's actual rule was marked by brutality and corruption, making this flattery particularly ironic.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing flattery help discern false accusations?
- What does Tertullus's rhetoric teach about legal manipulation?
Analysis & Commentary
Tertullus began with flattery: 'we enjoy great quietness, and very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence.' This rhetorical strategy sought to predispose Felix favorably. 'Providence' (pronoias) attributed divine-like care to a corrupt governor.