Paul was always on the lookout for the one ray of light in murky skies. He found a reason for counting himself happy in this dark hour, Acts 24:10. He held himself with great dignity. He remembered that he was always God's ambassador, representing the court of heaven amid the perverse courts of human government. As for the charge of sedition, he challenged his adversaries to prove it. He pointed out that as the nation was already divided into Pharisees and Sadducees, they could hardly find fault with him for belonging to a third sect-that of the Nazarenes. After the way which they called a sect, Acts 24:14, r.v., he worshipped God, but he had never stirred up strife in temple or synagogue. He protested that it had been the aim of his life to keep a conscience void of offense toward God and man.
In Acts 23:1 he had made a similar statement. Well would it be for us if only we would devote a few minutes at the close of each day to discover whether our conscience accused us of failure in heart, thought, or behavior. The Holy Spirit pleads in the court of conscience. We would be kept from many a fall, if we would be more careful to watch against the little rifts. [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 24
1Paul being accused by Tertullus the orator, 10answers for his life and doctrine 24He preaches Christ to the governor and his wife 26The governor hopes for a bribe, but in vain 27Felix, succeeded by Festus, leaves Paul in prison
Greek Commentary for Acts 24:3
In all ways and in all places [παντηι τε και πανταχου] Παντηι Pantēi old adverb of manner only here in N.T. Πανταχου Pantachou also old adverb of place, several times in N.T. But these adverbs most likely go with the preceding clause about “reforms” rather than as here translated with “we accept” But “with all gratitude” (μετα πασης ευχαριστιας meta pasēs eucharistias) does naturally go with αποδεχομετα apodechometha f0). [source]
Very worthy deeds [κατορθωμάτων] From κατορθόω , to set upright. Hence, a success consequent on right judgment; a right action. The best texts, however, read διορθωμάτων , settings right; amendments. Thus the sentence reads, literally, obtaining much peace through thee, and amendments taking place for this nation through thy providence, we accept, etc. [source]
Providence [προνοίας] Forethought. Providentia Augusti (the providence of the emperor ) was a common title on the coins of the emperors. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 24:3
Acts 23:26Most excellent [κρατιστωι] See note on Luke 1:3 to Theophilus though not in Acts 1:1. It is usual in addressing men of rank as here, like our “Your Excellency” in Acts 24:3 and Paul uses it to Festus in Acts 26:25. [source]
Titus 1:5Shouldst set in order [ἐπιδιορθώσῃ] N.T.oLit. to set straight besides or farther; that is, should arrange what remained to be set in order after Paul's departure. Used by medical writers of setting broken limbs or straightening crooked ones. Διόρθωσις reformation Hebrews 9:10: διόρθωμα correction Acts 24:3. [source]
What do the individual words in Acts 24:3 mean?
in every waybothandeverywherewe gladly accept [it]most excellentFelixwithallthankfulness
Greek Commentary for Acts 24:3
Παντηι Pantēi old adverb of manner only here in N.T. Πανταχου Pantachou also old adverb of place, several times in N.T. But these adverbs most likely go with the preceding clause about “reforms” rather than as here translated with “we accept” But “with all gratitude” (μετα πασης ευχαριστιας meta pasēs eucharistias) does naturally go with αποδεχομετα apodechometha f0). [source]
From κατορθόω , to set upright. Hence, a success consequent on right judgment; a right action. The best texts, however, read διορθωμάτων , settings right; amendments. Thus the sentence reads, literally, obtaining much peace through thee, and amendments taking place for this nation through thy providence, we accept, etc. [source]
Forethought. Providentia Augusti (the providence of the emperor ) was a common title on the coins of the emperors. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 24:3
See note on Luke 1:3 to Theophilus though not in Acts 1:1. It is usual in addressing men of rank as here, like our “Your Excellency” in Acts 24:3 and Paul uses it to Festus in Acts 26:25. [source]
N.T.oLit. to set straight besides or farther; that is, should arrange what remained to be set in order after Paul's departure. Used by medical writers of setting broken limbs or straightening crooked ones. Διόρθωσις reformation Hebrews 9:10: διόρθωμα correction Acts 24:3. [source]