Acts 24:6
Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
Original Language Analysis
ὃν
Who
G3739
ὃν
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερὸν
the temple
G2411
ἱερὸν
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
4 of 16
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
ἐπείρασεν
hath gone about
G3985
ἐπείρασεν
hath gone about
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
5 of 16
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
ὃν
Who
G3739
ὃν
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκρατήσαμεν
we took
G2902
ἐκρατήσαμεν
we took
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
9 of 16
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατά
according
G2596
κατά
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τόν
G3588
τόν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
law
G3551
νόμον
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
14 of 16
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Historical Context
Roman policy generally protected provincial religious institutions, particularly Jewish temple practices. Tertullus's claim that they sought to judge Paul legally was false - they had formed a murder conspiracy (Acts 23:12-15).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when accusers claim to represent justice while actually seeking your destruction?
- What does this teach about how false accusations often contain just enough truth to seem plausible?
Analysis & Commentary
The accusation that Paul 'went about to profane the temple' was the most serious from a Jewish perspective but also carried Roman weight since Rome protected religious sanctuaries. Though completely false (Paul was purifying himself, Acts 21:26), this charge could incite both Jewish and Roman concern. The claim they wanted to judge Paul by Jewish law falsely portrays themselves as reasonable arbiters interrupted by Roman interference.