King James Version
What Does Acts 24:19 Mean?
“Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.”
Acts 24:19 · KJV
Context
17
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18
Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19
Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
20
Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
21
Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryPaul's devastating point - his real accusers aren't present - exposes the prosecution's weakness. Under Roman law, accusers must face the accused and prove charges. The Asian Jews who actually started the riot were absent, suggesting they couldn't substantiate their accusations. This procedural failure should have resulted in case dismissal under proper Roman jurisprudence.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman law required accusers' presence to face cross-examination. Their absence violated proper procedure and suggested the charges couldn't withstand scrutiny. Felix's failure to dismiss the case revealed corruption over justice.
Reflection Questions
- How do you wisely point out procedural failures when they reveal accusers' inability to prove their case?
- What does this teach about standing on proper legal procedures when they protect truth and justice?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 12 wordsδεῖ2 of 12
“ought”
G1163also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
ἐπὶ3 of 12
“before”
G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
παρεῖναι5 of 12
“to have been here”
G3918to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
καὶ6 of 12
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχοιεν10 of 12
“they had”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πρὸς11 of 12
“against”
G4314a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
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 24:19 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 24:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge