King James Version

What Does Acts 24:10 Mean?

Acts 24:10 in the King James Version says “Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

Acts 24:10 · KJV


Context

8

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

10

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

11

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's response - 'thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation' - was tactful acknowledgment without the fawning flattery Tertullus used. Paul's 'more cheerfully' indicates confidence in both his innocence and God's providence. His focus on Felix's experience with Jewish matters suggested the governor could discern truth from the accusations' rhetoric.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Felix had governed Judea since AD 52 (about 7-8 years by this point), giving him extensive experience with Jewish religious disputes. His marriage to Drusilla, a Jewess (verse 24), further acquainted him with Jewish matters.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you show appropriate respect to authorities while maintaining integrity and avoiding manipulative flattery?
  2. What does Paul's confidence teach about finding encouragement in God's providence rather than human favor?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Ἀπεκρίθη1 of 24

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δέ2 of 24

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 24
G3588

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

Παῦλος4 of 24

Paul

G3972

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

νεύσαντος5 of 24

had beckoned

G3506

to "nod", i.e., (by analogy), signal

αὐτῷ6 of 24

unto him

G846

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

τοῦ7 of 24
G3588

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

ἡγεμόνος8 of 24

after that the governor

G2232

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

λέγειν9 of 24

to speak

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐκ10 of 24

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πολλῶν11 of 24

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐτῶν12 of 24

years

G2094

a year

ὄντα13 of 24

hast been

G5607

being

σε14 of 24

that thou

G4571

thee

κριτὴν15 of 24

a judge

G2923

a judge (genitive case or specially)

τῷ16 of 24
G3588

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

ἔθνει17 of 24

nation

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

τούτῳ18 of 24

unto this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

ἐπιστάμενος19 of 24

Forasmuch as I know

G1987

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

εὐθύμοτερον20 of 24

the more cheerfully

G2115

in fine spirits, i.e., cheerful

τὰ21 of 24
G3588

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

περὶ22 of 24

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἐμαυτοῦ23 of 24

myself

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

ἀπολογοῦμαι24 of 24

I do

G626

to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)


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 24:10 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 24:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study