John Calvin Commentary Acts 24:1

"And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and [with] an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul." — Acts 24:1 (ASV)

Since Ananias goes down to Caesarea to accuse Paul, it makes the conjecture more probable, which I previously mentioned concerning his priesthood. For it was not fitting for the high priest to undertake such a journey. Therefore, some other man was high priest at that time; and Ananias, being one of the chief priests, because he was in great authority and was also a resolute man, took this task upon himself.

He brings with him an entourage, and that of the respected company of elders, so that the governor might be swayed by their very display of status to condemn Paul. But since Paul used no eloquence, they had no need to hire a rhetorician to contend with him in eloquence. Moreover, they exceeded him both in dignity and also in numbers, so that it was an easy matter for them to oppress a poor man, and one who was lacking human help.

Therefore, it was a sign of an evil conscience that, being men of great experience, versed in public affairs, and skilled in legal matters, they hired a rhetorician. Eloquence is, I confess, a gift of God; but in this situation, they intended nothing else but to deceive the judge with it.

And Luke relates this, therefore, so that we may know that the Jews omitted nothing by which they might oppress Paul. Their aim was not only to prove him guilty but also to disconcert him so thoroughly that he might not be able to defend himself. And so, let us consider that it happened by the wonderful providence of God that Paul so resolutely endured such severe assaults.

Therefore, if it ever happens that a godly man, alone, is surrounded by a great number of enemies, let him call this account to mind and be of good courage. As David also exhorts us by his own example:

If tents were pitched about me, I will not fear,
because thou art with me, (Psalms 27:3).