Acts 24:10

8 By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”

9 The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true.

When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

11 You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.
KJV
Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
WEB
When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
ASV
And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defense:
DARBY
But Paul, the governor having beckoned to him to speak, answered, Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge to this nation, I answer readily as to the things which concern myself.
BLB
And the governor having motioned to him to speak, Paul answered: “Knowing you as being a judge to this nation for many years, I make a defense cheerfully to the things concerning myself,
ÅB
Men Paulus svarte, da landshøvdingen gav ham et tegn at han kunne tale: Da jeg vet at du i mange år har vært dommer for dette folk, fører jeg frimodig mitt forsvar,
OTB
Da guvernøren nikket til ham om å tale, svarte Paulus: "Jeg vet at du i mange år har vært dommer over denne nasjonen; derfor forsvarer jeg meg gjerne.
B1930
Men Paulus svarte, da landshøvdingen gav ham et tegn at han kunde tale: Da jeg vet at du i mange år har vært dommer for dette folk, fører jeg frimodig mitt forsvar,

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Peter 3:15

    But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

    Read in context
  • 1 Samuel 2:25

    If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.

    Read in context
  • Acts 18:15

    But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.”

    Read in context
  • Luke 18:2

    “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men.

    Read in context
  • Acts 12:17

    Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.

    Read in context
  • Acts 26:1

    Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

    Read in context
  • Acts 13:16

    Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!

    Read in context
  • Acts 23:24

    Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”

    Read in context