King James Version
What Does Acts 24:8 Mean?
“Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.”
Acts 24:8 · KJV
Context
6
Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
7
But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
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:
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary'By examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.' Tertullus invited Felix to interrogate Paul, confident their accusations would be confirmed. This challenge backfired when Paul's defense proved compelling.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman governors could personally interrogate defendants. Tertullus's invitation demonstrated overconfidence in their case's strength.
Reflection Questions
- How does truth withstand invitation to examination?
- What does overconfidence in false accusation teach about spiritual warfare?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 20 wordsκατηγόρους3 of 20
“accusers”
G2725against one in the assembly, i.e., a complainant at law; specially, satan
αὐτοῦ4 of 20
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἔρχεσθαι5 of 20
“to come”
G2064to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐπί6 of 20
“unto”
G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
παρ'8 of 20
“of”
G3844properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτοῦ11 of 20
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀνακρίνας12 of 20
“by examining”
G350properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
περὶ13 of 20
“of”
G4012properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἐπιγνῶναι16 of 20
“take knowledge”
G1921to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
αὐτοῦ20 of 20
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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 24:8 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 24:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge