Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 24:10

"And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defense:" — Acts 24:10 (ASV)

Had beckoned to him to speak. Either by a nod or by the hand.

You have been for many years... Felix and Cumanus had been joint-governors of Judea; but after Cumanus had been condemned for his bad administration of the affairs, the government fell entirely into the hands of Felix. This was about seven years before Paul was arraigned before him, and might indeed be called "many years," as he had been long enough there to become acquainted with the customs and habits of the Jews; and it might also be called long in comparison with the short time which any of his immediate predecessors had held the office. (See Josephus, Antiquities, Book 20, Chapters 6 and 7).

A judge. This word is evidently used here in the sense of magistrate, or one appointed to administer the affairs of government. To determine litigated matters was, however, one part of his office. It is remarkable that Paul did not begin his speech as Tertullus had done, by any flattering address or by any of the arts of rhetoric. He founded his plea on the justice of his cause and on the fact that Felix had had so much experience in the affairs of Judea that he was well qualified to understand the merits of the case and to judge impartially. Paul was well acquainted with his character (see the commentary on Acts 24:25) and would not by flattering words declare that which was not strictly true.

I do the more cheerfully... Since you are so well acquainted with the customs and habits of the Jews, I the more readily submit the case to your disposal. This address indicated great confidence in the justice of his cause; and was the language of a man bold, fearless, and conscious of his innocence.