King James Version

What Does Acts 24:14 Mean?

Acts 24:14 in the King James Version says “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing a... — study this verse from Acts chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But 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 24:14 · KJV


Context

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:

13

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

14

But 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:

15

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's confession - 'after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers' - brilliantly reframes the issue. What they call 'heresy' (Greek 'hairesis,' sect), Paul identifies as true worship of Israel's God. His claim to believe 'all things which are written in the law and in the prophets' positions Christianity as Judaism's fulfillment, not its contradiction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's appeal to 'the law and the prophets' invoked the Hebrew Scriptures' authority, showing Christianity's roots in God's progressive revelation. This defense would resonate with Felix's knowledge of Jewish traditions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you help others see that Christianity fulfills rather than contradicts God's prior revelation?
  2. What does this teach about confidently claiming your faith's connection to God's historical work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ὁμολογῶ1 of 26

I confess

G3670

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

δὲ2 of 26

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦτό3 of 26

this

G5124

that thing

σοι4 of 26

unto thee

G4671

to thee

ὅτι5 of 26

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κατὰ6 of 26

after

G2596

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

τοῖς7 of 26

which

G3588

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

ὁδὸν8 of 26

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἣν9 of 26

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λέγουσιν10 of 26

they call

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

αἵρεσιν11 of 26

heresy

G139

properly, a choice, i.e., (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion

οὕτως12 of 26

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

λατρεύω13 of 26

worship I

G3000

to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage

τοῖς14 of 26

which

G3588

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

πατρῴῳ15 of 26

of my fathers

G3971

paternal, i.e., hereditary

θεῷ16 of 26

the God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πιστεύων17 of 26

believing

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

πάσιν18 of 26

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς19 of 26

which

G3588

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

κατὰ20 of 26

after

G2596

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

τοῖς21 of 26

which

G3588

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

νόμον22 of 26

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

καὶ23 of 26

and

G2532

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

τοῖς24 of 26

which

G3588

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

προφήταις25 of 26

the prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

γεγραμμένοις26 of 26

are written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe


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 24:14 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 24:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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