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:
Paul did not attempt a full confession of faith here, because that was not the charge against him; his accuser touched only the crimes laid at his door. He simply answers to what he was accused of. His respect for Felix rests on experience: a man long in office judges more justly, for ignorance makes judges credulous and hasty.
AI summary
Paul waited his turn without interrupting, and when the governor beckoned him to speak, he answered not with Tertullus's flattering compliments but with respectful confidence in Felix's fairness. He leveled his defense against those who employed the accuser, knowing well how such men speak for their fee.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 24:10-21
Paul could not speak until the governor beckoned him; then he pointed out that if he had truly been a mover of sedition everywhere, Felix in thirteen years of judgment would surely have heard of it. Felix knew the Jews well enough to distrust their envy, revenge, lying, and perjury.
AI summary