Acts 24:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Then, as though he had much to say and were passing over the rest in silence, he says, "that I may not weary you further." Tertullus had already spoken at length. When he remarked that he was shortening his speech, he did not say, "Listen to how the matter happened," but, "that I may not weary you further, I beg you to hear us briefly, with your accustomed graciousness." He probably uses this expression out of flattery. Yet indeed it is a sign of modesty when someone who has much to say speaks briefly because he does not wish to trouble another.

The accusation brought here by the Sanhedrin against Paul consisted solely of what could have significance in the eyes of the Roman government regarding the Jews. They accused Paul of everywhere violating the rights granted to the Jews for peaceful use within the empire. They said that he was causing disturbances and divisions among them, and that recently he had dared to profane the temple. They complained against the tribune, saying that he had hindered the Jews from judging Paul according to the rights granted to them.

After five days Paul's accusers appeared in Caesarea: the high priest Ananias with the elders. They had armed themselves with an advocate, the orator Tertullus, who delivered the accusation against Paul before the procurator (vv. 1-9). Yet the eloquence of this speaker did not achieve its purpose.

After pouring out many flattering courtesies upon Felix, Tertullus began to accuse the prisoner.

To hear us briefly: this also presupposes a brief report.

The beginning of the speech by the defender of Jewish interests is full of exaggerated flattery toward the governor and judge Felix.

The impartial historian Tacitus says of Felix precisely the opposite of what the hired orator said about him, in order to incline him by flattery toward an unjust decision.

He praised his care for the people, whom Felix was ruining by his greed. Felix was impatient and cruel, but the orator praises his gentleness.

“Greedy and sensual, with the spirit of a slave in a high office, Felix was careless. Under him the robberies of the Sicarii increased in Palestine, though when they openly rebelled under the leadership of the Egyptian, he did succeed in striking them down.”