Acts 24:5
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λοιμὸν
a pestilent
G3061
λοιμὸν
a pestilent
Strong's:
G3061
Word #:
6 of 22
a plague (literally, the disease, or figuratively, a pest)
καὶ
fellow and
G2532
καὶ
fellow and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
στάσιν
of sedition
G4714
στάσιν
of sedition
Strong's:
G4714
Word #:
9 of 22
a standing (properly, the act), i.e., (by analogy) position (existence); by implication, a popular uprising; figuratively, controversy
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
throughout
G2596
κατὰ
throughout
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
14 of 22
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκουμένην
the world
G3625
οἰκουμένην
the world
Strong's:
G3625
Word #:
16 of 22
land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire
πρωτοστάτην
a ringleader
G4414
πρωτοστάτην
a ringleader
Strong's:
G4414
Word #:
17 of 22
one standing first in the ranks, i.e., a captain (champion)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 28:22But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.Acts 24:14But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:Acts 15:5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.Acts 26:5Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.Acts 21:28Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.Acts 5:17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,Luke 23:2And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
Historical Context
Rome deeply feared popular movements that could threaten imperial stability. Tertullus's accusations deliberately conflated religious leadership with political sedition, knowing Rome would take such charges seriously.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when your faith is deliberately mischaracterized as politically dangerous or socially harmful?
- What does this teach about how gospel truth threatens both religious and political establishments?
Analysis & Commentary
Tertullus's three accusations - pestilent fellow, mover of sedition, ringleader of Nazarenes - were calculated to alarm Roman authorities. Calling Christianity a 'sect' (Greek 'hairesis,' heresy) and Paul its ringleader painted him as politically dangerous. The charge of sedition 'among all the Jews throughout the world' was utterly false but strategically crafted to threaten Roman interests in maintaining peace.