And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

ACTS 24:1KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 24:1 (KJV)

What does Acts 24:1 mean?

Acts 24:1 describes how, five days after Paul’s arrest, the Jewish high priest Ananias, some elders, and a spokesman named Tertullus came down to present their case against Paul before the Roman governor. This verse sets the stage for Paul’s formal hearing by showing that the Jewish leaders brought legal representation to accuse him.

Acts 24:1 takes place in Caesarea, where Paul is being held after being transferred from Jerusalem for his safety. The high priest Ananias leads a delegation of Jewish elders, and they bring Tertullus, who acts as their orator or lawyer, to speak on their behalf. The verse highlights the seriousness of the charges against Paul and the official nature of the proceedings before the Roman governor, who is about to hear both sides.

The Greek behind Acts 24:1

  • ῥήτωρ (rhētōr, "orator"): This Greek word refers to a skilled speaker or advocate, often used for someone who presents cases in court. The use of this term shows that the Jewish leaders wanted a professional to argue their case persuasively before the Roman authority.
  • κατήγορος (katēgoros, "informed against"): The Greek here carries the sense of making formal accusations, not just casual complaints. This emphasizes that the charges against Paul were presented in an official, legal setting.

Why Acts 24:1 matters

  • Acts 24:1 shows that the Jewish leaders took Paul’s case very seriously, going so far as to bring a professional advocate to argue before the Roman governor, which was not always the norm for religious disputes.
  • The verse connects Paul’s story to the larger Roman legal system, highlighting the political and legal pressures at play in the early Christian movement.
  • Understanding the formal setting helps clarify why Paul’s defense in the following verses is so carefully structured and why the outcome of this hearing was significant for his future.

Where else these words appear

“Tertullus” Greek G5061 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 24:2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

“Ananias” Greek G367 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
  • Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
  • Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

“informed” Greek G1718 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
  • Acts 25:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

“governor” Greek G2232 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Matthew 27:21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
  • Acts 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.