Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

ACTS 24:4KJV
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Acts 24:4 (KJV)

What does Acts 24:4 mean?

Acts 24:4 shows someone politely asking a Roman official to listen patiently to a short statement, promising not to take up too much of his time. The speaker is appealing to the official’s kindness and fairness in hearing what they have to say.

In this verse, Tertullus, a lawyer representing the Jewish leaders, is speaking to Felix, the Roman governor. Tertullus is introducing his case against Paul and wants to show respect and avoid being seen as long-winded or disrespectful. He asks Felix, out of his "clemency" (kindness or fairness), to listen to just a few words, setting a courteous tone for the hearing.

The Greek behind Acts 24:4

  • ἐπιείκεια (epieikeia) — "clemency": This word means gentleness, fairness, or kindness, and Tertullus uses it to flatter Felix and appeal to his sense of justice, hoping for a favorable hearing.
  • πολυλογία (polulogia) — "tedious": The Greek here carries the sense of being overly wordy or tiresome. Tertullus is careful to assure Felix that he will not waste his time, which was important in Roman legal culture.
  • παρακαλέω (parakaleō) — "pray": This word means "to urge" or "to request," showing Tertullus’s respectful and formal approach in addressing the governor.

Why Acts 24:4 matters

  • Acts 24:4 helps the reader see the formal and respectful way legal cases were presented before Roman officials, especially by those seeking favor.
  • The verse highlights the strategy of using flattery and appeals to a judge’s character in ancient courtrooms, which sets the stage for the rest of Tertullus’s speech.
  • Understanding this introduction clarifies why the following verses are so carefully worded and why Paul’s defense is framed the way it is in response.

Where else these words appear

“clemency” Greek G1932 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

“tedious” Greek G1465 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

“thy” Greek G4674 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
  • Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
  • John 17:10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

“be” Greek G4119 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.