Acts 24:19 (KJV)

What does Acts 24:19 mean?

Acts 24:19 is part of Paul’s defense before Felix, the Roman governor. Paul argues that the people who had raised an objection against him in Jerusalem should be present to state their complaint, if they have one.

The word “who” refers to certain Jews from Asia mentioned just before this verse. Paul had encountered them at the temple, where they stirred up a crowd against him (Acts 21:27). By addressing Felix as “thee,” Paul puts his point directly to the person hearing the case.

The Greek behind Acts 24:19

• “object” — κατηγορέω (katēgoreō): The Greek carries the sense of making an accusation. In this setting, the word points to bringing a charge before Felix, not merely expressing disagreement.
• “ought” — δεῖ (dei): The word can express what is necessary or proper. Paul presents the accusers’ presence as something the situation calls for.

Why Acts 24:19 matters

• Paul distinguishes the absent accusers from the people at the hearing. The “who” in verse 19 reaches back to the Jews from Asia in verse 18, while verse 20 turns to those who are present.
• The wording leaves room for the accusers to state a complaint rather than assuming they have established one. Paul says, “if they had ought against me,” using “ought” in the older sense of “anything.”