Acts 24:2-4

Acts 24:2-4

[2] And  when he  was called forth,  Tertullus  began  to accuse  him, saying,  Seeing that by  we enjoy  great  quietness,  and  are done  nation  by  thy  providence,  [3] We accept  it always,  and  in all places,  most noble  Felix,  with  all  thankfulness.  [4] Notwithstanding,  further  tedious  I pray  that thou wouldest hear  of thy  clemency  a few words. 

What does Acts 24:2-4 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Flattery of officials in formal speeches was fashionable in Paul"s day, and Tertullus heaped praise on Felix. The title "most excellent" usually applied to men who enjoyed a higher social rank than Felix. Felix was a fierce ruler and the "peace" that existed was a result of terror rather than tranquillity. Tertullus praised Felix for being a peacemaker in preparation for his charge that Paul was a disturber of the peace ( Acts 24:5-6). Felix"s "reforms" were more like purges. Speakers also usually promised to be brief, which promises then as now they did not always keep.