Acts 24:8

Acts 24:8 Meaning and Explanation

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

King James Version (KJV)

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Tertullus closes by inviting Felix to examine Paul himself and so confirm all the accusations.

What Does Acts 24:8 Mean?

The speech ends with a confident flourish: question the man and you will find it all true. In the flow of the passage, it was Lysias who had ordered Paul's accusers to appear before Felix (Acts 23:30) — which is why this hearing is happening at all. Tertullus submits the case as though its proof were self-evident, though no witnesses have been produced.

It is the confidence of a case with nothing behind it. The invitation to examine Paul will backfire, for his account withstands examination and theirs does not. Truth welcomes scrutiny; falsehood merely performs confidence. 'Every one that doeth evil hateth the light... but he that doeth truth cometh to the light' (John 3:20-21).

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What does Acts 24:8 mean?

Tertullus closes by inviting Felix to examine Paul himself and so confirm all the accusations.

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