24:1 After five days the high priest Ananias 15 came down with some elders and an attorney 16 named 17 Tertullus, and they 18 brought formal charges 19 against Paul to the governor. 24:2 When Paul 20 had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, 21 saying, “We have experienced a lengthy time 22 of peace through your rule, 23 and reforms 24 are being made in this nation 25 through your foresight. 26 24:3 Most excellent Felix, 27 we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way 28 with all gratitude. 29 24:4 But so that I may not delay 30 you any further, I beg 31 you to hear us briefly 32 with your customary graciousness. 33 24:5 For we have found 34 this man to be a troublemaker, 35 one who stirs up riots 36 among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader 37 of the sect of the Nazarenes. 38 24:6 He 39 even tried to desecrate 40 the temple, so we arrested 41 him. 24:7 [[EMPTY]] 42 24:8 When you examine 43 him yourself, you will be able to learn from him 44 about all these things we are accusing him of doing.” 45 24:9 The Jews also joined in the verbal attack, 46 claiming 47 that these things were true.
24:10 When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know 48 that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense. 49 24:11 As you can verify 50 for yourself, not more than twelve days ago 51 I went up to Jerusalem 52 to worship. 24:12 They did not find me arguing 53 with anyone or stirring up a crowd 54 in the temple courts 55 or in the synagogues 56 or throughout the city, 57 24:13 nor can they prove 58 to you the things 59 they are accusing me of doing. 60 24:14 But I confess this to you, that I worship 61 the God of our ancestors 62 according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law 63 and that is written in the prophets. 24:15 I have 64 a hope in God (a hope 65 that 66 these men 67 themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 68 24:16 This is the reason 69 I do my best to always 70 have a clear 71 conscience toward God and toward people. 72 24:17 After several years 73 I came to bring to my people gifts for the poor 74 and to present offerings, 75 24:18 which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified, 76 without a crowd or a disturbance. 77 24:19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia 78 who should be here before you and bring charges, 79 if they have anything against me. 24:20 Or these men here 80 should tell what crime 81 they found me guilty of 82 when I stood before the council, 83 24:21 other than 84 this one thing 85 I shouted out while I stood before 86 them: ‘I am on trial before you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.’” 87
24:22 Then Felix, 88 who understood the facts 89 concerning the Way 90 more accurately, 91 adjourned their hearing, 92 saying, “When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case.” 93 24:23 He ordered the centurion 94 to guard Paul, 95 but to let him have some freedom, 96 and not to prevent any of his friends 97 from meeting his needs. 98
24:24 Some days later, when Felix 99 arrived with his wife Drusilla, 100 who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak 101 about faith in Christ Jesus. 102 24:25 While Paul 103 was discussing 104 righteousness, self-control, 105 and the coming judgment, Felix 106 became 107 frightened and said, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, 108 I will send for you.” 24:26 At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would give him money, 109 and for this reason he sent for Paul 110 as often as possible 111 and talked 112 with him. 24:27 After two years 113 had passed, Porcius Festus 114 succeeded Felix, 115 and because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. 116
25:1 Now 117 three days after Festus 118 arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem 119 from Caesarea. 120 25:2 So the chief priests and the most prominent men 121 of the Jews brought formal charges 122 against Paul to him. 25:3 Requesting him to do them a favor against Paul, 123 they urged Festus 124 to summon him to Jerusalem, planning an ambush 125 to kill him along the way. 25:4 Then Festus 126 replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea, 127 and he himself intended to go there 128 shortly. 25:5 “So,” he said, “let your leaders 129 go down there 130 with me, and if this man has done anything wrong, 131 they may bring charges 132 against him.”
25:6 After Festus 133 had stayed 134 not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea, 135 and the next day he sat 136 on the judgment seat 137 and ordered Paul to be brought. 25:7 When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, 138 bringing many serious 139 charges that they were not able to prove. 140 25:8 Paul said in his defense, 141 “I have committed no offense 142 against the Jewish law 143 or against the temple or against Caesar.” 144 25:9 But Festus, 145 wanting to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be tried 146 before me there on these charges?” 147 25:10 Paul replied, 148 “I am standing before Caesar’s 149 judgment seat, 150 where I should be tried. 151 I have done nothing wrong 152 to the Jews, as you also know very well. 153 25:11 If then I am in the wrong 154 and have done anything that deserves death, I am not trying to escape dying, 155 but if not one of their charges against me is true, 156 no one can hand me over to them. 157 I appeal to Caesar!” 158 25:12 Then, after conferring with his council, 159 Festus 160 replied, “You have appealed to Caesar; 161 to Caesar 162 you will go!” 163
25:13 After several days had passed, King Agrippa 164 and Bernice arrived at Caesarea 165 to pay their respects 166 to Festus. 167 25:14 While 168 they were staying there many days, Festus 169 explained Paul’s case to the king to get his opinion, 170 saying, “There is a man left here as a prisoner by Felix. 25:15 When I was in Jerusalem, 171 the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed 172 me about him, 173 asking for a sentence of condemnation 174 against him. 25:16 I answered them 175 that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone 176 before the accused had met his accusers face to face 177 and had been given 178 an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation. 179 25:17 So after they came back here with me, 180 I did not postpone the case, 181 but the next day I sat 182 on the judgment seat 183 and ordered the man to be brought. 25:18 When his accusers stood up, they did not charge 184 him with any of the evil deeds I had suspected. 185 25:19 Rather they had several points of disagreement 186 with him about their own religion 187 and about a man named Jesus 188 who was dead, whom Paul claimed 189 to be alive. 25:20 Because I was at a loss 190 how I could investigate these matters, 191 I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried 192 there on these charges. 193 25:21 But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of His Majesty the Emperor, 194 I ordered him to be kept under guard until I could send him to Caesar.” 195 25:22 Agrippa 196 said to Festus, 197 “I would also like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he replied, 198 “you will hear him.”
25:23 So the next day Agrippa 199 and Bernice came with great pomp 200 and entered the audience hall, 201 along with the senior military officers 202 and the prominent men of the city. When Festus 203 gave the order, 204 Paul was brought in. 25:24 Then Festus 205 said, “King Agrippa, 206 and all you who are present here with us, you see this man about whom the entire Jewish populace 207 petitioned 208 me both in Jerusalem 209 and here, 210 shouting loudly 211 that he ought not to live any longer. 25:25 But I found that he had done nothing that deserved death, 212 and when he appealed 213 to His Majesty the Emperor, 214 I decided to send him. 215 25:26 But I have nothing definite 216 to write to my lord 217 about him. 218 Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, 219 so that after this preliminary hearing 220 I may have something to write. 25:27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without clearly indicating 221 the charges against him.”
26:1 So Agrippa 222 said to Paul, “You have permission 223 to speak for yourself.” Then Paul held out his hand 224 and began his defense: 225
26:2 “Regarding all the things I have been accused of by the Jews, King Agrippa, 226 I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, 26:3 because you are especially 227 familiar with all the customs and controversial issues 228 of the Jews. Therefore I ask 229 you to listen to me patiently. 26:4 Now all the Jews know the way I lived 230 from my youth, spending my life from the beginning among my own people 231 and in Jerusalem. 232 26:5 They know, 233 because they have known 234 me from time past, 235 if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party 236 of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 237 26:6 And now I stand here on trial 238 because of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, 239 26:7 a promise 240 that our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve God 241 night and day. Concerning this hope the Jews are accusing me, 242 Your Majesty! 243 26:8 Why do you people 244 think 245 it is unbelievable 246 that 247 God raises the dead? 26:9 Of course, 248 I myself was convinced 249 that it was necessary to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. 26:10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem: Not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons by the authority I received 250 from the chief priests, but I also cast my vote 251 against them when they were sentenced to death. 252 26:11 I punished 253 them often in all the synagogues 254 and tried to force 255 them to blaspheme. Because I was so furiously enraged 256 at them, I went to persecute 257 them even in foreign cities.
26:12 “While doing this very thing, 258 as I was going 259 to Damascus with authority and complete power 260 from the chief priests, 26:13 about noon along the road, Your Majesty, 261 I saw a light from heaven, 262 brighter than the sun, shining everywhere around 263 me and those traveling with me. 26:14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 264 ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are hurting yourself 265 by kicking against the goads.’ 266 26:15 So I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord replied, 267 ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 26:16 But get up and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this reason, to designate you in advance 268 as a servant and witness 269 to the things 270 you have seen 271 and to the things in which I will appear to you. 26:17 I will rescue 272 you from your own people 273 and from the Gentiles, to whom 274 I am sending you 26:18 to open their eyes so that they turn 275 from darkness to light and from the power 276 of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share 277 among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
26:19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, 278 I was not disobedient 279 to the heavenly 280 vision, 26:20 but I declared to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, 281 and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, 282 performing deeds consistent with 283 repentance. 26:21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts 284 and were trying to kill me. 26:22 I have experienced 285 help from God to this day, and so I stand testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except 286 what the prophets and Moses said 287 was going to happen: 26:23 that 288 the Christ 289 was to suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, to proclaim light both to our people 290 and to the Gentiles.” 291
26:24 As Paul 292 was saying these things in his defense, Festus 293 exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, 294 Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!” 26:25 But Paul replied, 295 “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, 296 but am speaking 297 true and rational 298 words. 26:26 For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely 299 to him, 300 because I cannot believe 301 that any of these things has escaped his notice, 302 for this was not done in a corner. 303 26:27 Do you believe the prophets, 304 King Agrippa? 305 I know that you believe.” 26:28 Agrippa 306 said to Paul, “In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?” 307 26:29 Paul replied, “I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time 308 not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains.” 309
26:30 So the king got up, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them, 26:31 and as they were leaving they said to one another, 310 “This man is not doing anything deserving 311 death or imprisonment.” 26:32 Agrippa 312 said to Festus, 313 “This man could have been released 314 if he had not appealed to Caesar.” 315
1 tn Grk “who, coming to Caesarea.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek construction, a new sentence was begun here in the translation. The relative pronoun (“who”) has been replaced with the referent (the horsemen) in the translation for clarity.
2 sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in Acts 10:1. It was about 30 mi (50 km) from Antipatris.
3 tn BDAG 778 s.v. παρίστημι/παριστάνω 1.b has “present, represent – α. lit. τινά τινι someone to someone παρέστησαν τὸν Παῦλον αὐτῷ Ac 23:33.”
4 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the governor) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
5 tn Grk “having read.” The participle ἀναγνούς (anagnou") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
6 tn The words “the letter” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek, but must be supplied for the modern English reader.
7 tn Grk “and asking.” The participle ἐπερωτήσας (eperwthsa") has been translated as a finite verb and καί (kai) left untranslated due to requirements of contemporary English style.
8 sn Governor Felix asked what province he was from to determine whether he had legal jurisdiction over Paul. He could have sent him to his home province for trial, but decided to hear the case himself.
9 tn Grk “and learning.” The participle πυθόμενος (puqomeno") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
10 sn Cilicia was a province in northeastern Asia Minor.
11 tn Or “I will hear your case.” BDAG 231 s.v. διακούω has “as legal t.t. give someone an opportunity to be heard in court, give someone (τινός) a hearing Ac 23:35”; L&N 56.13 has “to give a judicial hearing in a legal matter – ‘to hear a case, to provide a legal hearing, to hear a case in court.’”
12 tn Grk “ordering.” The participle κελεύσας (keleusas) has been translated as a finite verb and a new sentence begun here due to the length and complexity of the Greek sentence. “Then” has also been supplied to indicate the logical and temporal sequence.
13 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
14 sn Herod’s palace (Grk “Herod’s praetorium”) was the palace built in Caesarea by Herod the Great. See Josephus, Ant. 15.9.6 (15.331). These events belong to the period of
15 sn Ananias was in office from
16 tn The term refers to a professional advocate (BDAG 905 s.v. ῥήτωρ).
17 tn Grk “an attorney, a certain Tertullus.”
18 tn Grk “who” (plural). Because in English the relative pronoun “who” could be understood to refer only to the attorney Tertullus and not to the entire group, it has been replaced with the third person plural pronoun “they.” “And” has been supplied to provide the connection to the preceding clause.
19 tn BDAG 326 s.v. ἐμφανίζω 3 has “ἐ. τινὶ κατά τινος bring formal charges against someone…Ac 24:1; 25:2.”
20 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.
21 tn Or “began to bring charges, saying.”
22 tn Grk “experienced much peace.”
23 tn Grk “through you” (“rule” is implied).
24 tn This term is used only once in the NT (a hapax legomenon). It refers to improvements in internal administration (BDAG 251 s.v. διόρθωμα).
25 tn Or “being made for this people.”
26 sn References to peaceful rule, reforms, and the governor’s foresight in the opening address by Tertullus represent an attempt to praise the governor and thus make him favorable to the case. Actual descriptions of his rule portray him as inept (Tacitus, Annals 12.54; Josephus, J. W. 2.13.2-7 [2.253-270]).
27 sn Most excellent Felix. See the note on Felix in 23:24.
28 tn Grk “in every way and everywhere.”
29 tn Or “with complete thankfulness.” BDAG 416 s.v. εὐχαριστία 1 has “μετὰ πάσης εὐ.…with all gratitude Ac 24:3.” L&N 31.26 has “‘we acknowledge this anywhere and everywhere with complete thankfulness’ Ac 24:3.”
30 tn Or “may not weary.” BDAG 274 s.v. ἐγκόπτω states, “ἵνα μὴ ἐπὶ πλεῖόν σε ἐγκόπτω Ac 24:4 is understood by Syr. and Armen. versions to mean in order not to weary you any further; cp. ἔγκοπος weary Diog. L. 4, 50; LXX; and ἔγκοπον ποιεῖν to weary Job 19:2; Is 43:23. But impose on is also prob.; detain NRSV.”
31 tn Or “request.”
32 tn This term is another NT hapax legomenon (BDAG 976 s.v. συντόμως 2). Tertullus was asking for a brief hearing, and implying to the governor that he would speak briefly and to the point.
33 tn BDAG 371 s.v. ἐπιείκεια has “τῇ σῇ ἐ. with your (customary) indulgence Ac 24:4.”
34 tn Grk “For having found.” The participle εὑρόντες (Jeurontes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
35 tn L&N 22.6 has “(a figurative extension of meaning of λοιμός ‘plague,’ 23.158) one who causes all sorts of trouble – ‘troublemaker, pest.’ … ‘for we have found this man to be a troublemaker” Ac 24:5.”
36 tn Or “dissensions.” While BDAG 940 s.v. στάσις 3 translates this phrase “κινεῖν στάσεις (v.l. στάσιν) τισί create dissension among certain people Ac 24:5,” it is better on the basis of the actual results of Paul’s ministry to categorize this usage under section 2, “uprising, riot, revolt, rebellion” (cf. the use in Acts 19:40).
37 tn This term is yet another NT hapax legomenon (BDAG 894 s.v. πρωτοστάτης).
38 sn The sect of the Nazarenes is a designation for followers of Jesus the Nazarene, that is, Christians.
39 tn Grk “who.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“who”) was replaced by the third person singular pronoun (“he”) and a new sentence begun here in the translation.
40 tn Or “profane” (BDAG 173 s.v. βεβηλόω). The term was also used of profaning the Sabbath.
41 tn Or “seized.” Grk “whom also we arrested.” Because of the awkwardness of a relative clause in English at this point, the relative pronoun (“whom”) was replaced by the pronoun “him” as object of the verb.
42 tc Some later
43 tn Or “question.”
44 tn Grk “From whom when you examine him yourself, you will be able to learn…” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) was replaced by the third person singular pronoun (“him”) and a new sentence begun at the beginning of v. 8 in the translation.
45 tn Grk “about all these things of which we are accusing him.” This has been simplified to eliminate the relative pronoun (“of which”) in the translation.
46 tn Grk “joined in the attack,” but the adjective “verbal” has been supplied to clarify that this was not another physical assault on Paul. The verb is another NT hapax legomenon (BDAG 969 s.v. συνεπιτίθημι).
47 tn Or “asserting” (BDAG 1050 s.v. φάσκω).
48 tn Grk “knowing.” The participle ἐπιστάμενος (epistamenos) has been translated as a causal adverbial participle.
49 sn “Because…defense.” Paul also paid an indirect compliment to the governor, implying that he would be fair in his judgment.
50 tn BDAG 369 s.v. ἐπιγινώσκω 2.c has “notice, perceive, learn of, ascertain…Also as legal t.t. ascertain (2 Macc 14:9) τὶ Ac 23:28; cp. 24:8. W. ὅτι foll. Ac 24:11.” “Verify” is an English synonym for “ascertain.”
51 tn Grk “it is not more than twelve days from when.” This has been simplified to “not more than twelve days ago.”
52 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
53 tn Or “disputing,” “conducting a heated discussion.”
54 tn BDAG 381 s.v. ἐπίστασις 2 has “ἐ. ποιεῖν ὄχλου to cause a crowd to gather Ac 24:12.” Roman authorities would not allow a mob to gather and threaten the peace, and anyone suspected of instigating a mob would certainly be arrested.
55 tn Grk “in the temple.” This is actually a reference to the courts surrounding the temple proper, and has been translated accordingly.
56 sn See the note on synagogue in 6:9.
57 sn A second part of Paul’s defense is that he did nothing while he was in Jerusalem to cause unrest, neither arguing nor stirring up a crowd in the temple courts or in the synagogues or throughout the city.
58 tn BDAG 778 s.v. παρίστημι/παριστάνω 1.f has “οὐδὲ παραστῆσαι δύνανταί σοι περὶ ὧν νυνὶ κατηγοροῦσίν μου nor can they prove to you the accusations they are now making against me Ac 24:13.”
59 tn The words “the things” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader.
60 tn Grk “nor can they prove to you [the things] about which they are now accusing me.” This has been simplified to eliminate the relative pronoun (“which”) in the translation.
61 tn Or “serve.”
62 tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.”
63 sn That is, the law of Moses. Paul was claiming that he legitimately worshiped the God of Israel. He was arguing that this amounted to a religious dispute rather than a political one, so that the Roman authorities need not concern themselves with it.
64 tn Grk “having.” The participle ἔχων (ecwn) has been translated as a finite verb and a new sentence begun at this point in the translation because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence.
65 sn This mention of Paul’s hope sets up his appeal to the resurrection of the dead. At this point Paul was ignoring the internal Jewish dispute between the Pharisees (to which he had belonged) and the Sadducees (who denied there would be a resurrection of the dead).
66 tn Grk “a hope in God (which these [men] themselves accept too).” Because the antecedent of the relative pronoun “which” is somewhat unclear in English, the words “a hope” have been repeated at the beginning of the parenthesis for clarity.
67 tn Grk “that they”; the referent (these men, Paul’s accusers) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
68 tn Or “the unjust.”
69 tn BDAG 329 s.v. ἐν 9.a, “ἐν τούτῳ πιστεύομεν this is the reason why we believe Jn 16:30; cp. Ac 24:16.”
70 tn BDAG 224 s.v. διά 2.a, “διὰ παντός…always, continually, constantly…Ac 2:25 (Ps 15:8); 10:2; 24:16.” However, the positioning of the adverb “always” in the English translation is difficult; the position used is one of the least awkward.
71 tn BDAG 125 s.v. ἀπρόσκοπος 1 has “ἀ. συνείδησις a clear conscience Ac 24:16.”
72 tn Grk “men,” but this is a generic use (Paul does not have only males in view).
73 tn BDAG 401 s.v. ἔτος has “δι᾿ ἐ. πλειόνων after several years 24:17.”
74 tn Grk “to bring alms,” but the term “alms” is not in common use today, so the closest modern equivalent, “gifts for the poor,” is used instead.
75 tn Or “sacrifices.” BDAG 887 s.v. προσφορά 1 has “προσφοράς ποιεῖν have sacrifices made Ac 24:17,” but this may be overly specific. It is not clear from the immediate context whether the offering of sacrificial animals (so BDAG assumes) or offerings of some other sort (such as financial gifts) are in view. The combination with ἐλεημοσύνας (elehmosuna") in the preceding clause may suggest monetary offerings. Some have suggested this is an allusion to the payments made by Paul on behalf of the four other men mentioned in Acts 21:23-26, but the text here seems to suggest something Paul had planned to do before he came, while the decision to pay for the expenses of the men in 21:23ff. was made at the suggestion of the Jerusalem leadership after he arrived. In either case, Paul was portraying himself as a pious worshiper of his God.
76 sn Ritually purified. Paul’s claim here is that he was honoring the holiness of God by being sensitive to issues of ritual purity. Not only was he not guilty of the charges against him, but he was thoroughly devout.
77 tn BDAG 458 s.v. θόρυβος 3.b has “μετὰ θορύβου…with a disturbance Ac 24:18.”
78 tn Grk “Asia”; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia. The words “the province of” are supplied to indicate to the modern reader that this does not refer to the continent of Asia.
79 tn BDAG 533 s.v. κατηγορέω 1 states, “nearly always as legal t.t.: bring charges in court.” L&N 33.427 states for κατηγορέω (kathgorew), “to bring serious charges or accusations against someone, with the possible connotation of a legal or court context – ‘to accuse, to bring charges.’”
80 tn Grk “these [men] themselves.”
81 tn Or “unrighteous act.”
82 tn The words “me guilty of” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. L&N 88.23 has “αὐτοὶ οὗτοι εἰπάτωσαν τί εὗρον ἀδίκημα στάντος μου ‘let these men themselves tell what unrighteous act they found me guilty of’ Ac 24:20.”
83 tn Grk “the Sanhedrin” (the Sanhedrin was the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews).
84 tn BDAG 433 s.v. ἤ 2.c has “οὐδὲν ἕτερον ἤ nothing else than…Ac 17:21. τί…ἤ what other…than…24:21.”
85 tn Grk “one utterance.”
86 tn Cf. BDAG 327 s.v. ἐν 1.e, which has “before, in the presence of, etc.”
87 sn The resurrection of the dead. Paul’s point was, what crime was there in holding this religious belief?
88 sn See the note on Antonius Felix in 23:24.
89 tn Grk “the things.”
90 tn That is, concerning Christianity.
91 tn BDAG 39 s.v. ἀκριβῶς has “Comp. ἀκριβέστερον more exactly…ἀ. ἐκτίθεσθαι explain more exactly Ac 18:26, cp. 23:15, 20; also more accurately…24:22.” Felix knew more about the Christian movement than what the Jewish leaders had told him.
92 tn L&N 56.18 s.v. ἀναβάλλω has “to adjourn a court proceeding until a later time – ‘to adjourn a hearing, to stop a hearing and put it off until later.’…‘then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned their hearing’ Ac 24:22.”
93 tn BDAG 227 s.v. διαγινώσκω 2 states, “to make a judicial decision, decide/hear (a case)…τὰ καθ᾿ ὑμᾶς decide your case Ac 24:22.”
94 sn See the note on the word centurion in 10:1.
95 tn Grk “that he was to be guarded.” The passive construction (τηρεῖσθαι, threisqai) has been converted to an active one in parallel with the following clauses, and the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
96 tn BDAG 77 s.v. ἄνεσις 1 states, “lit. relaxation of custodial control, some liberty, ἀ. ἔχειν have some freedom Ac 24:23.”
97 tn Grk “any of his own” (this could also refer to relatives).
98 tn Grk “from serving him.”
99 sn See the note on Antonius Felix in 23:24.
100 sn It is possible that Drusilla, being Jewish, was the source of Felix’s knowledge about the new movement called Christianity. The youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I and sister of Agrippa II, she would have been close to 20 years old at the time. She had married the king of a small region in Syria but divorced him at the age of 16 to marry Felix. This was her second marriage and Felix’s third (Josephus, Ant. 19.9.1 [19.354], 20.7.2 [20.141-144]). As a member of Herod’s family, she probably knew about the Way.
101 tn The word “speak” is implied; BDAG 32 s.v. ἀκούω 1.c has “ἤκουσεν αὐτοῦ περὶ τῆς…πίστεως he heard him speak about faith Ac 24:24.”
102 tn Or “Messiah Jesus”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”
103 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
104 tn Or “speaking about.”
105 tn Grk “and self-control.” This καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
106 sn See the note on Felix in 23:26.
107 tn Grk “becoming.” The participle γενόμενος (genomenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
108 tn Or “when I find time.” BDAG 639 s.v. μεταλαμβάνω 2 has “καιρὸν μ. have an opportunity = find time…Ac 24:25.”
109 tn Grk “he was hoping that money would be given to him by Paul.” To simplify the translation, the passive construction has been converted to an active one.
110 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
111 tn “As often as possible” reflects the comparative form of the adjective πυκνός (puknos); see BDAG 897 s.v. πυκνός, which has “Neut. of the comp. πυκνότερον as adv. more often, more frequently and in an elative sense very often, quite frequently…also as often as possible…Ac 24:26.”
112 tn On this term, which could mean “conferred with him,” see BDAG 705 s.v. ὁμιλέω.
113 tn Grk “After a two-year period.”
114 sn Porcius Festus was the procurator of Palestine who succeeded Felix; neither the beginning nor the end of his rule (at his death) can be determined with certainty, although he appears to have died in office after about two years. Nero recalled Felix in
115 tn Grk “Felix received as successor Porcius Festus.”
116 tn Grk “left Paul imprisoned.”
117 tn BDAG 736-37 s.v. οὖν 2.b states, “οὖν serves to indicate a transition to someth. new…now, then, well…Ac 25:1.”
118 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
119 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
120 sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in Acts 10:1. This was a journey of 65 mi (just over 100 km).
121 tn BDAG 893-94 s.v. πρῶτος 2.a.β has “οἱ πρῶτοι the most prominent men, the leading men w. gen. of the place…or of a group…οἱ πρ. τοῦ λαοῦ…Lk 19:47; cp. Ac 25:2; 28:17.”
122 tn BDAG 326 s.v. ἐμφανίζω 3 has “ἐ. τινὶ κατά τινος bring formal charges against someone…Ac 24:1; 25:2.”
123 tn Grk “Requesting a favor against him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation, the understood direct object of “requesting” has been supplied, and the phrase “to do them” supplied for clarity.
124 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Festus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. The words “they urged him” are in v. 2 in the Greek text.
125 sn Planning an ambush. The Jewish leadership had not forgotten the original plan of several years ago (see 23:16). They did not trust the Roman legal process, but preferred to take matters into their own hands.
126 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
127 sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in Acts 10:1.
128 tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text but is implied.
129 tn Grk “let those who are influential among you” (i.e., the powerful).
130 tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
131 tn Grk “and if there is anything wrong with this man,” but this could be misunderstood in English to mean a moral or physical defect, while the issue in context is the commission of some crime, something legally improper (BDAG 149 s.v. ἄτοπος 2).
132 tn BDAG 533 s.v. κατηγορέω 1 states, “nearly always as legal t.t.: bring charges in court.” L&N 33.427 states for κατηγορέω, “to bring serious charges or accusations against someone, with the possible connotation of a legal or court context – ‘to accuse, to bring charges.”
133 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Festus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
134 tn Grk “Having stayed.” The participle διατρίψας (diatriya") has been taken temporally.
135 sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in Acts 10:1.
136 tn Grk “sitting down…he ordered.” The participle καθίσας (kaqisa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
137 tn Although BDAG 175 s.v. βῆμα 3 gives the meaning “tribunal” for this verse, and a number of modern translations use similar terms (“court,” NIV; “tribunal,” NRSV), since the bhma was a standard feature in Greco-Roman cities of the time, there is no need for an alternative translation here.
138 tn BDAG 801 s.v. περιίστημι 1.a has “περιέστησαν αὐτὸν οἱ ᾿Ιουδαῖοι the Judeans stood around him 25:7.”
139 tn Grk “many and serious.” The term βαρύς (barus) refers to weighty or serious charges (BDAG 167 s.v. 1).
140 tn The term ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeiknumi) in a legal context refers to legal proof (4 Macc 1:8; BDAG 108 s.v. 3).
141 tn Grk “Paul saying in his defense”; the participle ἀπολογουμένου (apologoumenou) could be taken temporally (“when Paul said…”), but due to the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the participle was translated as a finite verb and a new sentence begun here in the translation. BDAG 116-17 s.v. ἀπολογέομαι has “W. ὅτι foll. τοῦ Παύλου ἀπολογουμένου, ὅτι when Paul said in his defense (direct quot. foll.) Ac 25:8.”
142 tn Grk “I have sinned…in nothing.”
143 tn Grk “against the law of the Jews.” Here τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων has been translated as an attributive genitive.
144 tn Or “against the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).
145 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
146 tn Or “stand trial.”
147 tn Grk “concerning these things.”
148 tn Grk “said.”
149 tn Or “before the emperor’s” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).
150 tn Although BDAG 175 s.v. βῆμα 3 gives the meaning “tribunal” for this verse, and a number of modern translations use similar terms (“court,” NIV; “tribunal,” NRSV), since the bema was a standard feature in Greco-Roman cities of the time, there is no need for an alternative translation here. Here of course Paul’s reference to “Caesar’s judgment seat” is a form of metonymy; since Festus is Caesar’s representative, Festus’ judgment seat represents Caesar’s own.
151 tn That is, tried by an imperial representative and subject to Roman law.
152 sn “I have done nothing wrong.” Here is yet another declaration of total innocence on Paul’s part.
153 tn BDAG 506 s.v. καλῶς 7 states, “comp. κάλλιον (for the superl., as Galen, Protr. 8 p. 24, 19J.=p. 10, 31 Kaibel; s. B-D-F §244, 2) ὡς καί σὺ κ. ἐπιγινώσκεις as also you know very well Ac 25:10.”
154 tn BDAG 20 s.v. ἀδικέω 1.b has “intr. be in the wrong (Ex 2:13) εἰ ἀδικῶ Ac 25:11.”
155 tn BDAG 764 s.v. παραιτέομαι 2.b.β, “οὐ παραιτοῦμαι τὸ ἀποθανεῖν I am not trying to escape death Ac 25:11 (cp. Jos., Vi. 141).” To avoid redundancy in the translation, the English gerund “dying” is used to translate the Greek infinitive ἀποθανεῖν (apoqanein).
156 tn Or “but if there is nothing to their charges against me.” Both “if” clauses in this verse are first class conditions. Paul stated the options without prejudice, assuming in turn the reality of each for the sake of the argument.
157 sn That is, no one can hand me over to them lawfully. Paul was aware of the dangers of a return to Jerusalem.
158 tn Or “to the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).
159 tn That is, with his advisers.
160 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
161 tn Or “to the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).
162 tn Or “to the emperor.”
163 sn “To Caesar you will go!” In all probability Festus was pleased to send Paul on to Rome and get this political problem out of his court.
164 sn King Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II (
165 sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in Acts 10:1.
166 tn BDAG 144 s.v. ἀσπάζομαι 1.b states, “Of official visits pay one’s respects to…Ac 25:13.”
167 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
168 tn BDAG 1105-6 s.v. ὡς 8.b states, “w. pres. or impf. while, when, as long as…Ac 1:10; 7:23; 9:23; 10:17; 13:25; 19:9; 21:27; 25:14.”
169 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
170 tn Grk “Festus laid Paul’s case before the king for consideration.” BDAG 74 s.v. ἀνατίθημι 2 states, “otherw. only mid. to lay someth. before someone for consideration, declare, communicate, refer w. the added idea that the pers. to whom a thing is ref. is asked for his opinion lay someth. before someone for consideration…Ac 25:14.”
171 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
172 tn BDAG 326 s.v. ἐμφανίζω 3 has “to convey a formal report about a judicial matter, present evidence, bring charges…ἐ. περί τινος concerning someone 25:15.”
173 tn Grk “about whom.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) has been replaced with a personal pronoun (“him”) and a new sentence started in the translation at the beginning of v. 15 (where the phrase περὶ οὗ [peri Jou] occurs in the Greek text).
174 tn BDAG 516 s.v. καταδίκη states, “condemnation, sentence of condemnation, conviction, guilty verdict…αἰτεῖσθαι κατά τινος κ. ask for a conviction of someone Ac 25:15.”
175 tn Grk “to whom I answered.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) has been replaced with a personal pronoun (“them”) and a new sentence started in the translation at the beginning of v. 16.
176 tn Grk “any man.” This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpos).
177 tn Or “has met his accusers in person.”
178 tn Grk “and receives.”
179 tn Or “indictment” (a legal technical term). BDAG 273-74 s.v. ἔγκλημα 1 states, “legal t.t.…ἀπολογία περὶ τοῦ ἐ. defense against the accusation Ac 25:16.” L&N 56.6 defines ἔγκλημα (enklhma) as “(a technical, legal term) a formal indictment or accusation brought against someone – ‘indictment, accusation, case.’ …‘and might receive an opportunity for a defense against the indictment’ Ac 25:16.”
180 tn BDAG 969-70 s.v. συνέρχομαι 2 states, “συνελθόντων ἐνθάδε prob. means (because of συνκαταβάντες 25:5) they came back here with (me) 25:17.”
181 tn BDAG 59 s.v. ἀναβολή states, “‘delay’…legal t.t. postponement…ἀ. μηδεμίαν ποιησάμενος I did not postpone the matter Ac 25:17.” “Case” has been supplied instead of “matter” since it is more specific to the context. The participle ποιησάμενος (poihsameno") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
182 tn Grk “sitting…I ordered.” The participle καθίσας (kaqisa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
183 tn Although BDAG 175 s.v. βῆμα 3 gives the meaning “tribunal” for this verse, and a number of modern translations use similar terms (“court,” NIV; “tribunal,” NRSV), since the bema was a standard feature in Greco-Roman cities of the time, there is no need for an alternative translation here.
184 tn Grk “they brought no charge of any of the evil deeds.” BDAG 31 s.v. αἰτία 3.b has “αἰτίαν φέρειν…bring an accusation Ac 25:18.” Since κατήγοροι (kathgoroi, “accusers”) in the previous clause is somewhat redundant with this, “charge” was used instead.
185 tn Or “I was expecting.”
186 tn Grk “several controversial issues.” BDAG 428 s.v. ζήτημα states, “in our lit. only in Ac, w. the mng. it still has in Mod. Gk. (controversial) question, issue, argument…Ac 15:2; 26:3. ζ. περί τινος questions about someth.…18:15; 25:19.”
187 tn On this term see BDAG 216 s.v. δεισιδαιμονία 2. It is a broad term for religion.
188 tn Grk “a certain Jesus.”
189 tn Or “asserted.”
190 tn Or “Because I was undecided.” Grk “Being at a loss.” The participle ἀπορούμενος (aporoumeno") has been translated as a causal adverbial participle.
191 tn L&N 27.34 states, “ἀπορούμενος δὲ ἐγὼ τὴν περὶ τούτων ζήτησιν ‘I was undecided about how I could get information on these matters’ Ac 25:20. The clause ‘about how I could get information on these matters’ may also be rendered as ‘about how I should try to find out about these matters’ or ‘about how I could learn about these matters.’”
192 tn Or “stand trial.”
193 tn Grk “on these things.”
194 tn A designation of the Roman emperor (in this case, Nero). BDAG 917 s.v. σεβαστός states, “ὁ Σεβαστός His Majesty the Emperor Ac 25:21, 25 (of Nero).” It was a translation into Greek of the Latin “Augustus.”
195 tn Or “to the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).
196 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
197 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
198 tn Grk “said.”
199 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
200 tn Or “great pageantry” (BDAG 1049 s.v. φαντασία; the term is a NT hapax legomenon).
201 tn Or “auditorium.” “Auditorium” may suggest to the modern English reader a theater where performances are held. Here it is the large hall where a king or governor would hold audiences. Paul once spoke of himself as a “spectacle” to the world (1 Cor 4:8-13).
202 tn Grk “the chiliarchs” (officers in command of a thousand soldiers). In Greek the term χιλίαρχος (ciliarco") literally described the “commander of a thousand,” but it was used as the standard translation for the Latin tribunus militum or tribunus militare, the military tribune who commanded a cohort of 600 men.
203 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
204 tn Grk “and Festus ordering, Paul was brought in.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was begun in the translation, and καί (kai) has not been translated. The participle κελεύσαντος (keleusanto") has been taken temporally.
205 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
206 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
207 tn Probably best understood as rhetorical hyperbole. BDAG 825 s.v. πλῆθος 2.b.γ states, “people, populace, population…τὸ πλῆθος the populace…ἅπαν τὸ πλ. τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων Ac 25:24.” However, the actions of the leadership are seen by Luke as representing the actions of the entire nation, so the remark is not inaccurate.
208 tn Or “appealed to” (BDAG 341 s.v. ἐντυγχάνω 1.a).
209 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
210 sn Here means “here in Caesarea.”
211 tn Or “screaming.”
212 sn He had done nothing that deserved death. Festus’ opinion of Paul’s guilt is like Pilate’s of Jesus (Luke 23:4, 14, 22).
213 tn The participle ἐπικαλεσαμένου (epikalesamenou) has been taken temporally. It could also be translated as causal: “and because he appealed…”
214 tn A designation of the Roman emperor (in this case, Nero). BDAG 917 s.v. σεβαστός states, “ὁ Σεβαστός His Majesty the Emperor Ac 25:21, 25 (of Nero).”
215 tn The word “him” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader.
216 sn There is irony here. How can Festus write anything definite about Paul, if he is guilty of nothing.
217 sn To my lord means “to His Majesty the Emperor.”
218 tn Grk “about whom I have nothing definite…” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) was replaced with a personal pronoun (“him”) and a new sentence begun in the translation at the beginning of v. 26.
219 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
220 tn Or “investigation.” BDAG 66 s.v. ἀνάκρισις has “a judicial hearing, investigation, hearing, esp. preliminary hearing…τῆς ἀ. γενομένης Ac 25:26.” This is technical legal language.
221 tn L&N 33.153 s.v. σημαίνω, “to cause something to be both specific and clear – ‘to indicate clearly, to make clear’… ‘for it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without clearly indicating the charges against him’ Ac 25:27.”
222 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
223 tn Grk “It is permitted for you.”
224 tn Or “extended his hand” (a speaker’s gesture).
225 tn Or “and began to speak in his own defense.”
226 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
227 tn BDAG 613 s.v. μάλιστα 1 states, “μ. γνώστην ὄντα σε since you are outstandingly familiar Ac 26:3.”
228 tn Grk “several controversial issues.” BDAG 428 s.v. ζήτημα states, “in our lit. only in Ac, w. the mng. it still has in Mod. Gk. (controversial) question, issue, argument…Ac 15:2; 26:3. ζ. περί τινος questions about someth.…18:15; 25:19.”
229 tn BDAG 218 s.v. δέομαι states, “In our lit. only w. the mng. to ask for something pleadingly, ask, request,” and then in section a.α states, “w. inf. foll.…Ac 26:3.”
230 tn Grk “my manner of life.”
231 tn Or “nation.”
232 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
233 tn These words are repeated from v. 4 (“all the Jews know”). Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, it was necessary to begin a new sentence at the beginning of v. 5 in the translation, but for this to make sense, the main verb ἵσασι ({isasi) has to be repeated to connect with the ὅτι (Joti) clause (indirect discourse) in v. 5.
234 tn Grk “having known me from time past.” The participle προγινώσκοντες (proginwskonte") has been translated as a causal adverbial participle.
235 tn BDAG 866 s.v. προγινώσκω 2 has “Know from time past…προγινώσκοντές με ἄνωθεν Ac 26:5.” L&N 28.6 states, “‘they have already known me beforehand, if they are willing to testify’ Ac 26:5.”
236 tn That is, strictest religious party. “Party” alone is used in the translation because “the strictest religious party of our religion” would be redundant.
237 sn See the note on Pharisee in 5:34.
238 tn BDAG 568 s.v. κρίνω 5.a.α has “κρίνεσθαι ἐπί τινι be on trial because of a thing Ac 26:6.”
239 tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.”
240 tn Grk “to which [promise] our twelve tribes…” The antecedent of the relative pronoun (the promise in v. 6) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
241 tn Or “earnestly worship.” The object of this service, God, is omitted but implied: BDAG 587 s.v. λατρεύω states, “Without the dat. of the one to whom service is given: ἐν ἐκτενείᾳ νύκτα κ. ἡμέραν λ. serve (God) earnestly night and day Ac 26:7.” Although clear from the context in Greek, “God” must be supplied as the recipient of the service for the modern English reader.
242 tn Grk “I am being accused by the Jews.” The passive construction was simplified by converting it to an active one in the translation.
243 tn Grk “O King!”
244 tn The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate that the second person pronoun (“you”) is plural (others in addition to King Agrippa are being addressed).
245 tn BDAG 568 s.v. κρίνω 3 states, “τί ἄπιστον κρίνεται παρ᾿ ὑμῖν; why do you think it is incredible? Ac 26:8.” The passive construction (“why is it thought unbelievable…”) has been converted to an active one to simplify the translation.
246 tn Or “incredible.” BDAG 103 s.v. ἄπιστος 1 states, “unbelievable, incredible…τί ἄπιστον κρίνεται παρ᾿ ὑμῖν…; why does it seem incredible to you? Ac 26:8.”
247 tn Grk “if.” The first-class conditional construction, which assumes reality for the sake of argument, has been translated as indirect discourse.
248 tn BDAG 737 s.v. οὖν 3 states, “It has been proposed that some traces of older Gk. usage in which οὖν is emphatic, = certainly, really, to be sure etc. (s. L-S-J-M s.v. 1) remain in the pap…and in the NT…indeed, of course Ac 26:9.”
249 tn Grk “I thought to myself.” BDAG 255 s.v. δοκέω 2.a has “ἔδοξα ἐμαυτῷ δεῖν πρᾶξαι = Lat. mihi videbar I was convinced that it was necessary to do Ac 26:9.”
250 tn Grk “by receiving authority.” The participle λαβών (labwn) has been taken instrumentally.
251 tn Grk “cast down a pebble against them.” L&N 30.103 states, “(an idiom, Grk ‘to bring a pebble against someone,’ a reference to a white or black pebble used in voting for or against someone) to make known one’s choice against someone – ‘to vote against.’ …‘when they were sentenced to death, I also voted against them’ Ac 26:10.”
252 tn Grk “when they were being executed”; but the context supports the sentencing rather than the execution itself (cf. L&N 30.103).
253 tn Grk “and punishing…I tried.” The participle τιμωρῶν (timwrwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
254 sn See the note on synagogue in 6:9.
255 tn The imperfect verb ἠνάγκαζον (hnankazon) has been translated as a conative imperfect (so BDAG 60 s.v. ἀναγκάζω 1, which has “ἠνάγκαζον βλασφημεῖν I tried to force them to blaspheme Ac 26:11”).
256 tn Or “was so insanely angry with them.” BDAG 322 s.v. ἐμμαίνομαι states, “to be filled with such anger that one appears to be mad, be enraged…περισσῶς ἐμμαινόμενος αὐτοῖς being furiously enraged at them Ac 26:11”; L&N 88.182 s.v. ἐμμαίνομαι, “to be so furiously angry with someone as to be almost out of one’s mind – ‘to be enraged, to be infuriated, to be insanely angry’ …‘I was so infuriated with them that I even went to foreign cities to persecute them’ Ac 26:11.”
257 tn Or “I pursued them even as far as foreign cities.”
258 tn Grk “in which [activity].” Due to the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started at the beginning of v. 12 in the translation. The referent of the relative pronoun (“which”) was specified as “this very thing” for clarity.
259 tn Grk “going.” The participle πορευόμενος (poreuomenos) has been taken temporally.
260 tn L&N 37.40 s.v. ἐπιτροπή states, “the full authority to carry out an assignment or commission – ‘authority, complete power.’ πορευόμενος εἰς τὴν Δαμασκὸν μετ᾿ ἐξουσίας καὶ ἐπιτροπῆς τῶν ἀρχιερέων ‘going to Damascus with authority and complete power from the high priests’ Ac 26:12. In Ac 26:12 the combination of ἐξουσία and ἐπιτροπή serves to reinforce the sense of complete authority.”
261 tn Grk “O King.”
262 tn Or “from the sky” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”).
263 tn The word “everywhere” has been supplied in the translation to clarify the meaning of περιλάμψαν (perilamyan). Otherwise the modern reader might think that each of the individuals were encircled by lights or halos. See also Acts 9:7; 22:6, 9.
264 tn Grk “in the Hebrew language.” See Acts 22:7 and 9:4.
265 tn Grk “It is hard for you.”
266 tn “Goads” are pointed sticks used to direct a draft animal (an idiom for stubborn resistance). See BDAG 539-40 s.v. κέντρον 2.
267 tn Grk “said.”
268 tn L&N 30.89 has “‘to choose in advance, to select beforehand, to designate in advance.’”
269 sn As a servant and witness. The commission is similar to Acts 1:8 and Luke 1:2. Paul was now an “eyewitness” of the Lord.
270 tn BDAG 719 s.v. ὁράω A.1.b states, “W. attraction of the relative ὧν = τούτων ἅ Lk 9:36; Ac 22:15. The attraction may be due to colloq. breviloquence in μάρτυρα ὧν τε εἶδες με ὧν τε ὀφθήσομαί σοι a witness to the things in which you saw me and to those in which I shall appear to you Ac 26:16b.”
271 tc ‡ Some
272 tn Grk “rescuing.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the participle ἐξαιρούμενος (exairoumeno") has been translated as a finite verb and a new sentence started in the translation at the beginning of v. 17.
273 tn That is, from the Jewish people. Grk “the people”; the words “your own” have been supplied to clarify the meaning.
274 tn The antecedent of the relative pronoun is probably both the Jews (“your own people”) and the Gentiles, indicating the comprehensive commission Paul received.
275 sn To open their eyes so that they turn… Here is Luke’s most comprehensive report of Paul’s divine calling. His role was to call humanity to change their position before God and experience God’s forgiveness as a part of God’s family. The image of turning is a key one in the NT: Luke 1:79; Rom 2:19; 13:12; 2 Cor 4:6; 6:14; Eph 5:8; Col 1:12; 1 Thess 5:5. See also Luke 1:77-79; 3:3; 24:47.
276 tn BDAG 352-53 s.v. ἐξουσία 2 states, “Also of Satan’s power Ac 26:18.” It is also possible to translate this “the domain of Satan” (cf. BDAG 353 s.v. 6)
277 tn Or “and an inheritance.”
278 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
279 sn I was not disobedient. Paul’s defense is that he merely obeyed the risen Jesus. He was arrested for obeying heavenly direction and preaching the opportunity to turn to God.
280 tn According to L&N 1.5, “In Ac 26:19 the adjective οὐράνιος could be interpreted as being related simply to the meaning of οὐρανόςa ‘sky,’ but it seems preferable to regard οὐράνιος in this context as meaning simply ‘from heaven’ or ‘heavenly.’”
281 tn BDAG 1093-94 s.v. χώρα 2.b states, “of the provincial name (1 Macc 8:3) ἡ χώρα τῆς ᾿Ιουδαίας Ac 26:20.”
282 sn That they should repent and turn to God. This is the shortest summary of Paul’s message that he preached.
283 tn BDAG 93 s.v. ἄξιος 1.b, “καρποὶ ἄ. τῆς μετανοίας fruits in keeping with your repentance…Lk 3:8; Mt 3:8. For this ἄ. τῆς μετανοίας ἔργα Ac 26:20.” Note how Paul preached the gospel offer and the issue of response together, side by side.
284 tn Grk “in the temple.” This is actually a reference to the courts surrounding the temple proper, and has been translated accordingly.
285 tn Grk “So experiencing…I stand.” The participle τυχών (tucwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
286 tn BDAG 311 s.v. ἐκτός 3.b, “functions as prep. w. gen. οὐδὲν ἐ. ὧν nothing except what (cf. 1 Ch 29:3; 2 Ch 17:19; TestNapht. 6:2) Ac 26:22.”
287 sn What the prophets and Moses said. Paul argued that his message reflected the hope of the Jewish scriptures.
288 tn BDAG 277-78 s.v. εἰ 2 has “marker of an indirect question as content, that…Sim. also (Procop. Soph., Ep. 123 χάριν ἔχειν εἰ = that) μαρτυρόμενος…εἰ παθητὸς ὁ Χριστός testifying…that the Christ was to suffer…Ac 26:23.”
289 tn Or “the Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”
290 tn That is, to the Jewish people. Grk “the people”; the word “our” has been supplied to clarify the meaning.
291 sn Note how the context of Paul’s gospel message about Jesus, resurrection, and light both to Jews and to the Gentiles is rooted in the prophetic message of the OT scriptures. Paul was guilty of following God’s call and preaching the scriptural hope.
292 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
293 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
294 tn On the term translated “lost your mind” see BDAG 610 s.v. μαίνομαι, which has “you’re out of your mind, you’re raving, said to one whose enthusiasm seems to have outrun better judgment 26:24.”
295 tn Grk “said.”
296 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
297 tn Or “declaring.” BDAG 125 s.v. ἀποφθέγγομαι states, “speak out, declare boldly or loudly…τὶ: σωφροσύνης ῥήματα Ac 26:25.”
298 tn BDAG 987 s.v. σωφροσύνη 1 has “gener. soundness of mind, reasonableness, rationality…ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσύνης ῥήματα true and rational words (opp. μαίνομαι) Ac 26:25.”
299 tn BDAG 782 s.v. παρρησιάζομαι 1 states, “speak freely, openly, fearlessly…likew. in the ptc. w. a verb of saying foll.…παρρησιασάμενοι εἶπαν 13:46. – 26:26.” This could refer to boldness in speaking here.
300 tn Grk “to whom I am speaking freely.” The relative pronoun (“whom”) was replaced by the personal pronoun (“him”) to simplify the translation.
301 tn Grk “I cannot convince myself.” BDAG 792 s.v. πείθω 3.a states, “οὐ πείθομαι w. acc. and inf. I cannot believe Ac 26:26” (see also BDAG 586 s.v. λανθάνω).
302 tn BDAG 586 s.v. λανθάνω states, “λανθάνειν αὐτὸν τούτων οὐ πείθομαι οὐθέν I cannot bring myself to believe that any of these things has escaped his notice Ac 26:26.”
303 tn This term refers to a hidden corner (BDAG 209 s.v. γωνία). Paul’s point is that these events to which he refers were not done in a secret, hidden place, tucked away outside of view. They were done in public for all the world to see.
304 sn “Do you believe the prophets?” Note how Paul made the issue believing the OT prophets and God’s promise which God fulfilled in Christ. He was pushing King Agrippa toward a decision not for or against Paul’s guilt of any crime, but concerning Paul’s message.
305 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
306 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
307 tn Or “In a short time you will make me a Christian.” On the difficulty of the precise nuances of Agrippa’s reply in this passage, see BDAG 791 s.v. πείθω 1.b. The idiom is like 1 Kgs 21:7 LXX. The point is that Paul was trying to persuade Agrippa to accept his message. If Agrippa had let Paul persuade him, he would have converted to Christianity.
308 tn BDAG 703 s.v. ὀλίγος 2.b.β has “καὶ ἐν ὀλ. καὶ ἐν μεγάλῳ whether in a short or a long time vs. 29 (cf. B-D-F §195; GWhitaker, The Words of Agrippa to St. Paul: JTS 15, 1914, 82f; AFridrichsen, SymbOsl 14, ’35, 50; Field, Notes 141-43; s. Rob. 653).”
309 sn Except for these chains. The chains represented Paul’s unjust suffering for the sake of the message. His point was, in effect, “I do not care how long it takes. I only hope you and everyone else hearing this would become believers in Christ, but without my unjust suffering.”
310 tn Grk “they spoke to one another saying.” The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant in English and has not been translated.
311 tn BDAG 93 s.v. ἄξιος 1.b has “θανάτου ἢ δεσμῶν ἄ. nothing deserving death or imprisonment 23:29; 26:31.”
312 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
313 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
314 tn Or “set free.”
315 tn Or “to the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).