Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 24:1-9

"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. And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by the providence evils are corrected for this nation, we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: [and we would have judged him according to our law.] [But the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,] [commanding his accusers to come before thee.] from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so." — Acts 24:1-9 (ASV)

Observe here the unhappiness of great men—and it is indeed a great unhappiness—to have their services praised beyond measure, and never to be faithfully told of their faults; in this way, they are hardened and encouraged in evil, like Felix.

God's prophets were charged with being troublers of the land, and our Lord Jesus Christ was accused of perverting the nation. The very same charges were brought against Paul.

The selfish and evil passions of men urge them forward, and the gifts and power of speech have too often been used to mislead and prejudice men against the truth.

How different the characters of Paul and Felix will appear at the Day of Judgment, compared to how they are represented in the speech of Tertullus! Let Christians not value the applause or be troubled by the revilings of ungodly men, who represent the vilest of the human race almost as gods, and the excellent of the earth as pestilences and movers of sedition.