And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

ACTS 24:12KJV
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Acts 24:12 (KJV)

What does Acts 24:12 mean?

Acts 24:12 records Paul defending himself by saying that his accusers never found him arguing with anyone in the temple, stirring up a crowd, or causing trouble in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. Paul is making it clear that he did not engage in any public disturbance or incite unrest as he is being accused.

In this verse, Paul is speaking before the Roman governor Felix, responding to accusations from Jewish leaders who claim he caused trouble. Paul emphasizes that there is no evidence of him disputing or agitating people in any public place, whether in the temple, synagogues, or the city itself. This statement is part of Paul's larger defense, showing that the charges against him are unfounded and that he has behaved peacefully and lawfully.

The Greek behind Acts 24:12

  • διαλεγόμενον (dialegomenon, "disputing"): This Greek word means discussing or debating, often in a reasoned or formal way. Paul is denying that he was engaged in any kind of argument or heated discussion, which was a key part of the accusations.
  • ἐπίστασιν (epistasin, "raising up"): This word carries the sense of causing an uproar or inciting a disturbance. Paul’s denial here is important because it addresses the charge that he was stirring up the people, which was a serious offense under Roman law.
  • ὄχλον (ochlon, "people" or "crowd"): This term refers to a group or crowd, often with the nuance of a mob. Paul is specifically saying he did not gather or incite any crowd, countering the idea that he was leading a riot or rebellion.

Why Acts 24:12 matters

  • Acts 24:12 helps clear up the misunderstanding that Paul was a troublemaker or political agitator, showing instead that he acted peacefully and within the law.
  • This verse emphasizes Paul’s integrity and the lack of evidence against him, which is a key theme throughout his trials in Acts.
  • By connecting his defense to specific locations (temple, synagogues, city), Paul shows respect for Jewish customs and Roman order, helping the reader see the fairness of his position in the wider narrative.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G1999 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

“disputing” Greek G1256 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
  • Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
  • Acts 20:9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

“neither” Greek G3777 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
  • Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

“synagogues” Greek G4864 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.