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When Paul[a] had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him,[b] saying, “We have experienced a lengthy time[c] of peace through your rule,[d] and reforms[e] are being made in this nation[f] through your foresight.[g] Most excellent Felix,[h] we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way[i] with all gratitude.[j] But so that I may not delay[k] you any further, I beg[l] you to hear us briefly[m] with your customary graciousness.[n]

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 24:2 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.
  2. Acts 24:2 tn Or “began to bring charges, saying.”
  3. Acts 24:2 tn Grk “experienced much peace.”
  4. Acts 24:2 tn Grk “through you” (“rule” is implied).
  5. Acts 24:2 tn This term is used only once in the NT (a hapax legomenon). It refers to improvements in internal administration (BDAG 251 s.v. διόρθωμα).
  6. Acts 24:2 tn Or “being made for this people.”
  7. Acts 24:2 sn References to peaceful rule, reforms, and the governor’s foresight in the opening address by Tertullus represent an attempt to praise the governor and thus make him favorable to the case. Actual descriptions of his rule portray him as inept (Tacitus, Annals 12.54; Josephus, J. W. 2.13.2-7 [2.253-270]).
  8. Acts 24:3 sn Most excellent Felix. See the note on Felix in 23:24.
  9. Acts 24:3 tn Grk “in every way and everywhere.”
  10. Acts 24:3 tn Or “with complete thankfulness.” BDAG 416 s.v. εὐχαριστία 1 has “μετὰ πάσης εὐ.…with all gratitude Ac 24:3.” L&N 31.26 has “‘we acknowledge this anywhere and everywhere with complete thankfulness’ Ac 24:3.”
  11. Acts 24:4 tn Or “may not weary.” BDAG 274 s.v. ἐγκόπτω states, “ἵνα μὴ ἐπὶ πλεῖόν σε ἐγκόπτω Ac 24:4 is understood by Syr. and Armen. versions to mean in order not to weary you any further; cp. ἔγκοπος weary Diog. L. 4, 50; LXX; and ἔγκοπον ποιεῖν to weary Job 19:2; Is 43:23. But impose on is also prob.; detain NRSV.”
  12. Acts 24:4 tn Or “request.”
  13. Acts 24:4 tn This term is another NT hapax legomenon (BDAG 976 s.v. συντόμως 2). Tertullus was asking for a brief hearing, and implying to the governor that he would speak briefly and to the point.
  14. Acts 24:4 tn BDAG 371 s.v. ἐπιείκεια has “τῇ σῇ ἐ. with your (customary) indulgence Ac 24:4.”