Acts 24:2

24:2 When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We have experienced a lengthy time of peace through your rule, and reforms are being made in this nation through your foresight.

tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

tn Or “began to bring charges, saying.”

tn Grk “experienced much peace.”

tn Grk “through you” (“rule” is implied).

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).

tn Or “being made for this people.”

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]).