King James Version

What Does Acts 24:1 Mean?

Acts 24:1 in the King James Version says “And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who in...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.”

Acts 24:1 · King James Version


Context

1

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

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,

3

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The high priest Ananias's personal descent to Caesarea demonstrates the Jewish leadership's determination to prosecute Paul. Hiring Tertullus, a professional rhetorician (likely Roman or Hellenized), shows their strategic approach using someone skilled in Roman legal oratory. The 'five days' indicates urgent pursuit, revealing how seriously they viewed Paul as a threat to their religious system.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tertullus's Latin name suggests he was a professional advocate familiar with Roman legal procedures. Jewish leaders regularly hired such advocates for important Roman proceedings, showing the interface between Jewish and Roman legal cultures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when opposition becomes organized, professional, and well-resourced?
  2. What does this teach about the spiritual significance of your witness when it provokes such determined opposition?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
μετὰ1 of 22

“after”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δὲ2 of 22

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

πέντε3 of 22

“five”

G4002

"five"

ἡμέρας4 of 22

“days”

G2250

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

κατέβη5 of 22

“descended”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ὁ6 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερεὺς7 of 22

“the high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

Ἁνανίας8 of 22

“Ananias”

G367

ananias, the name of three israelites

μετὰ9 of 22

“after”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν10 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρεσβυτέρων11 of 22

“the elders”

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

καὶ12 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ῥήτορος13 of 22

“orator”

G4489

a speaker, i.e., (by implication) a forensic advocate

Τερτύλλου14 of 22

“named Tertullus”

G5061

tertullus, a roman

τινός15 of 22

“with a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

οἵτινες16 of 22

“who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐνεφάνισαν17 of 22

“informed”

G1718

to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)

τῷ18 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡγεμόνι19 of 22

“the governor”

G2232

a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province

κατὰ20 of 22

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ21 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παύλου22 of 22

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 24:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 24:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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