RSV ~ Acts 24 Notes

Acts 24:1 | ISB Notes

Ananias: The high priest, accompanied by a delegation of Jewish elders to represent the interests of the Sanhedrin before Felix. See note on Acts 23:2.

Tertullus: A trained orator who acted as a prosecuting attorney on behalf of the Jerusalem leadership.

Acts 24:2-8 | ISB Notes

Tertullus’ case against Paul distorts the truth about his character and conduct. After flattering the governor with praises of his benevolence and moderation, he levels two accusations sure to grab the attention of Felix. (1) He portrays Paul as a troublemaker who provokes disturbances wherever he goes. The implication is that Paul is an enemy of peace and a threat to Roman order. (2) He also tries to disassociate Paul from Judaism and make him the ringleader of a new and unapproved religion. At the time, it was illicit to practice or promote religions not officially recognized by the Romans.

Acts 24:5 | ISB Notes

Nazarenes: The only use of this title for the followers of Jesus in the NT.

• Among Jewish Christians, its Hebrew form, Notsrim, was associated not only with the village of Nazareth, but also with the prophecy of Is 11:1, where the Messiah is depicted as a “branch” (Heb. netser) that sprouts from the royal stump of Jesse, the father of King David. See note on Mt 2:23.

Acts 24:10-21 | ISB Notes

Paul defends himself with outright denials of the charges laid against him. Far from being an agitator, he has conducted himself in a peaceable and orderly manner ever since his arrival in Jerusalem (24:12). Far, too, from promoting religious novelties, he worships the same God, venerates the same Scriptures, and maintains the same belief in a resurrection as his Jewish accusers (24:14-15). See note on Acts 24:2-8.

Acts 24:14 | ISB Notes

the Way: A code name for the early Christian movement. .

Acts 24:15 | ISB Notes

resurrection: Paul inherited from Pharisaic Judaism (23:8) the belief that God will raise the bodies of saints and sinners alike on the last day and send them their separate ways (Dan 12:2). This was reaffirmed in the teaching of Jesus, who claimed for himself the leading role in this final drama of history (Jn 5:25-29; CCC 1038).

Acts 24:17 | ISB Notes

alms and offerings: This is the only reference in Acts to the collection of money that Paul had taken up among Gentile Churches to assist the poor of Jerusalem (Rom 15:25-27; 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor 8-9). Paul had accepted this responsibility years earlier at the Jerusalem Council (Gal 2:10).

Acts 24:22 | ISB Notes

knowledge of the Way: Felix was already familiar with the rudiments of Christian teaching, possibly from the preaching of Philip the evangelist in Caesarea (8:40; 21:8).

Acts 24:24 | ISB Notes

Drusilla: One of the daughters of Herod Agrippa I (12:1). She was Felix’ third wife, and Felix was her second husband.

Acts 24:25 | ISB Notes

Felix was alarmed: Paul’s insistence on righteousness and moral purity in the face of the coming judgment made the immoral couple too uncomfortable to listen further.

Acts 24:26 | ISB Notes

money: Felix’ interest in Paul was in part driven by greed, i.e., he hoped to get his hands on some of the funds Paul had brought to Jerusalem should the apostle attempt to buy his way out of confinement (24:17).

Acts 24:27 | ISB Notes

Porcius Festus: The Roman procurator who replaced Felix in A.D. 59 and governed Judea until 61. History portrays him as a man more sensible and restrained than his predecessor. Paul had been left in the Caesarean prison for two years by the time he took office.