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When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
Verse Takeaways
1
Truth, Not Flattery
Commentators highlight the stark contrast between the lawyer Tertullus's empty flattery (v. 2-3) and Paul's respectful, yet truthful, opening. Paul doesn't praise Felix's character, which was known to be flawed. Instead, he states a fact—Felix's long tenure as governor—demonstrating that Christian communication should be built on integrity, not manipulative praise.
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Acts
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7
18th Century
Presbyterian
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 j…
When the governor had beckoned to him (νευσαντος αυτω του ηγεμονος). Genitive absolute again with first aorist active participle o…
19th Century
Anglican
Forasmuch as I know...—We note at once the difference between Saint Paul’s frank courage and the servile flattery of the …
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Invited to respond, Paul also began with a complimentary statement—but a briefer and truer one. Felix had been in contact with the Jewish nation in…
16th Century
Protestant
And Paul. Paul's defense is not concerned with the nature of the charge; instead, he denies the crime he was accused of. This was not beca…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned to him to speak Tertullus having finished his account, Paul was silent to his …
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Paul gives a just account of himself, which clears him from crime and also shows the true reason for the violence against him. Let us never be driv…
