And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
Paul need not have denied these things at all; he might have said truly that disputing in the temple was lawful, as Christ and His apostles did the same. But here he aims only to refute false accusation and show his adversaries molested him without cause, standing chiefly on this: he was charged falsely with raising tumults, and they proved nothing.
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
Disputing in the temple was not unlawful, the doctors did it regularly, but Paul's point is sharper: he was so far from moving sedition that he never even entered into conversation with them on any subject. He was there, yes, but purifying himself according to Moses, not stirring up the people.
AI summary