New International VersionBut in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
New Living TranslationBut I don’t want to bore you, so please give me your attention for only a moment.
English Standard VersionBut, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
Berean Standard BibleBut in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.
Berean Literal BibleBut in order that I should not be a hindrance you to any longer, I implore you to hear us briefly, in your kindness.
King James BibleNotwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
New King James VersionNevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us.
New American Standard BibleBut, that I may not weary you further, I beg you to grant us a brief hearing, by your kindness.
NASB 1995“But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing.
NASB 1977“But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing.
Legacy Standard BibleBut, that I may not weary you any further, I plead with you by your forbearance to hear us briefly.
Amplified BibleBut so that I do not weary you further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing.
Christian Standard BibleBut, so that I will not burden you any further, I request that you would be kind enough to give us a brief hearing.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHowever, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing.
American Standard VersionBut, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words.
Contemporary English VersionI don't want to bother you, but please be patient with us and listen to me for just a few minutes.
English Revised VersionBut, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI don't want to keep you too long. Please listen to us. We will be brief.
Good News TranslationI do not want to take up too much of your time, however, so I beg you to be kind and listen to our brief account.
International Standard VersionBut so as not to detain you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.
NET BibleBut so that I may not delay you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.
New Heart English BibleBut, that I do not delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
Webster's Bible TranslationNotwithstanding, that I may not be further tedious to thee, I pray thee, that thou wouldst of thy clemency hear us a few words.
Weymouth New TestamentBut--not to detain you too long--I beg you in your forbearance to listen to a brief statement from us. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.
World English BibleBut that I don’t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand that I may not be further tedious to you, I exhort you to hear us concisely in your gentleness;
Berean Literal BibleBut in order that I should not be a hindrance you to any longer, I implore you to hear us briefly, in your kindness.
Young's Literal Translation and that I may not be further tedious to thee, I pray thee to hear us concisely in thy gentleness;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd that I hinder thee no more, I beseech thee to hear us concisely by thy clemency. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in few words.
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut lest I speak at too great a length, I beg you, by your clemency, to listen to us briefly.
New American BibleBut in order not to detain you further, I ask you to give us a brief hearing with your customary graciousness.
New Revised Standard VersionBut, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut while I desire not to weary you with lengthy discussions, nevertheless, I beg you to hear in brief our humble complaint.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“But that we may not weary you with many things, I beg of you to hear our lowliness briefly.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut that I may not detain you longer, I beseech you to hear us, in your clemency, a few words.
Godbey New TestamentBut in order that I may not weary you excessively, I exhort you to hear us patiently according to your clemency.
Haweis New TestamentNow that I may not be unnecessarily tedious to thee, I entreat thee to hear us briefly with thy wonted candour.
Mace New Testamentbut not to trespass upon you too far, be pleas'd to hear what I have to say in brief, with your usual indulgence.
Weymouth New TestamentBut--not to detain you too long--I beg you in your forbearance to listen to a brief statement from us.
Worrell New Testament"But, that I detain you no longer, I pray you to hear us briefly in your clemency.
Worsley New TestamentBut that I may not trespass upon thee too far, I beg thou wouldst hear us a few words with thy wonted goodness.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Tertullus Prosecutes Paul… 3In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. 4Butin ordernot to burdenyouany further,I begyourindulgenceto hearusbriefly.5We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,…
Cross References Acts 23:24-26Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.” / And he wrote the following letter: / Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.
Acts 25:2-3where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus / to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.
Acts 21:39-40But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.” / Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:
Acts 26:1-3Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, / especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.
Acts 22:1-2“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” / When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,
Acts 25:7-8When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove. / Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
Acts 9:15“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.
Acts 28:17-19After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. / They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. / But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation.
Acts 18:14-15But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint. / 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.”
Acts 19:33The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.
Acts 6:12-14So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”
Acts 7:1-2Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?” / And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,
Acts 13:16Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!
Acts 17:22Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.
Acts 22:30The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them.
Treasury of Scripture Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious to you, I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words. that. Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, andof Barak, andof Samson, andof Jephthae;of David also, and Samuel, andof the prophets: Jump to Previous BearBegBeseechBriefBrieflyDelayDetainEntreatFewForbearanceFurtherGrantHearHearingKindKindnessMercyNotwithstandingOrderRequestShortStatementTimeTiredWearyWordsWouldestJump to Next BearBegBeseechBriefBrieflyDelayDetainEntreatFewForbearanceFurtherGrantHearHearingKindKindnessMercyNotwithstandingOrderRequestShortStatementTimeTiredWearyWordsWouldestActs 24 1.Paul being accused by Tertullus the orator,10.answers for his life and doctrine.24.He preaches Christ to the governor and his wife.26.The governor hopes for a bribe, but in vain.27.Felix, succeeded by Festus, leaves Paul in prison.But in order not to delay you any furtherThis phrase is part of Tertullus's speech, a lawyer representing the Jewish leaders against Paul. The context is a legal proceeding before the Roman governor Felix. Tertullus uses formal and respectful language, common in Roman legal settings, to show deference to Felix. This reflects the cultural practice of flattering authority figures to gain favor. The phrase also indicates a strategic approach to keep the governor's attention, suggesting the importance of brevity in Roman legal proceedings. I beg your indulgence
Tertullus's request for indulgence is a rhetorical strategy to maintain the governor's goodwill. In the Greco-Roman world, orators often used such language to appeal to the emotions and sensibilities of their audience. This reflects the cultural emphasis on rhetoric and persuasion in public speaking. The phrase underscores the power dynamics at play, as Tertullus seeks to position himself and his clients favorably before Felix, who holds the authority to decide Paul's fate. to hear us briefly
The emphasis on brevity highlights the legal and cultural norms of the time, where lengthy speeches could be seen as disrespectful or tedious. This reflects the Roman value of efficiency and the expectation that legal matters be handled swiftly. The phrase also suggests Tertullus's confidence in the strength of his case against Paul, implying that the evidence is straightforward and compelling. This connects to the broader narrative of Acts, where Paul frequently faces opposition and must defend his mission and message. Persons / Places / Events 1. TertullusA skilled orator and lawyer who presents the case against Paul before Governor Felix. His role is to accuse Paul and persuade Felix of Paul's alleged wrongdoing. 2. PaulThe apostle who is on trial, accused of causing unrest and profaning the temple. He is a central figure in the early Christian church and a prolific writer of the New Testament. 3. FelixThe Roman governor of Judea who presides over Paul's trial. Known for his corruption and indecisiveness, Felix plays a crucial role in the legal proceedings against Paul. 4. JerusalemThe city where Paul was arrested, and the center of Jewish religious life. It is significant as the location of the temple and the initial setting of the accusations against Paul. 5. CaesareaThe location where Paul is held and where the trial before Felix takes place. It serves as the Roman administrative center in Judea. Teaching Points The Power of PersuasionTertullus uses flattery and rhetoric to influence Felix. As Christians, we should be aware of the power of words and strive to speak truthfully and with integrity. Standing Firm in FaithDespite the accusations, Paul remains steadfast in his faith. This teaches us the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, even when facing opposition. God's Sovereignty in TrialsPaul's trial before Felix is part of God's larger plan for spreading the gospel. We can trust that God is sovereign over our circumstances, even when they seem unfavorable. The Role of Civil AuthoritiesFelix's role reminds us of the importance of praying for those in authority, that they may act justly and wisely. Witnessing Through AdversityPaul's situation demonstrates how adversity can be an opportunity to witness for Christ. We should look for ways to share our faith, even in difficult times. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 24:4?
2.How does Acts 24:4 demonstrate the importance of respectful communication in disagreements?
3.What can we learn from Acts 24:4 about addressing authority figures?
4.How does Acts 24:4 connect with Proverbs 15:1 on gentle responses?
5.How can we apply the humility shown in Acts 24:4 in our lives?
6.What role does patience play in resolving conflicts, as seen in Acts 24:4?
7.How does Acts 24:4 reflect the political climate of Paul's time?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 24:4?
9.How does Acts 24:4 demonstrate the rhetorical strategies used by Paul's accusers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 24?
11.Is AI-generated pornography ethical or problematic?
12.How did Christianity originate and develop initially?
13.Who was Pope Gregory I, also known as Gregory the Great?
14.How does the Bible encourage us to show kindness?What Does Acts 24:4 Mean Setting the ContextTertullus, the hired lawyer for the Jewish leaders, is speaking before Governor Felix during Paul’s trial (Acts 24:1–3). After laying on exaggerated praise—“we have enjoyed lasting peace through you”—he now turns to the formal accusation. His words show a polished courtroom strategy similar to whatPsalm 55:21 notes about smooth speech hiding hostility and whatProverbs 26:24–26 warns about flattery concealing evil plans.
“But in order not to delay you any further”• Tertullus signals that he will be brief, positioning himself as respectful of the governor’s time—an approach echoed when Agrippa tells Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself” (Acts 26:1). • The phrase also implies an urgency to condemn Paul quickly, paralleling the haste of the Sanhedrin inActs 23:12–15. Compare how Haman likewise sought swift action against the Jews inEsther 3:8–9. • The statement’s courteous veneer obscures a manipulative intent, much like the council’s deceptive rush inLuke 22:66–71.
“I beg your indulgence”• Tertullus appeals for patience and favor, mirroring Abigail’s plea to David, “Let your servant speak” (1 Samuel 25:24), and Esther’s request, “If I have found favor in your sight…” (Esther 7:3). • Such flattery contrasts sharply with Paul’s straightforward testimony later in the chapter (Acts 24:10–16; cf.Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy”). • The lawyer’s tone also recalls the manipulative overtures of Herod’s flatterers inActs 12:21–22.
“to hear us briefly”• Promising brevity aims to keep Felix engaged, similar to when the synagogue leaders invite Paul, “Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement… speak” (Acts 13:15). • Yet the “brief” speech leads into serious, unfounded charges (Acts 24:5–6), exposing the tactic of using polite words to mask hostility—compareJude 16, which notes grumblers who “flatter people for their own advantage.” • The contrast between Tertullus’s “brief” accusations and Paul’s reasoned defense (Acts 24:10–21) highlightsJames 1:19’s counsel: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.”
summaryActs 24:4 reveals a polished, strategic opening by Tertullus: courteous, flattering, and seemingly considerate, yet designed to sway Felix toward a swift verdict against Paul. The verse underscores how outward politeness can mask inward corruption, inviting believers to discern motives and to speak truthfully, echoing Paul’s own transparent defense anchored in the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:2;Acts 24:16). (4) That I be not further tedious . . .--Better, that I may not detain thee too long. Here again we note the tact of the sycophant. He speaks as if obliged to restrain himself from the further panegyrics which his feelings would naturally prompt. Of thy clemency . . .--The Greek word expresses the idea of equitable consideration. The epithets of the hired orator stand in striking contrast with the "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come," of which the Apostle afterwards spoke to the same ruler. Verse 4.- But for notwithstanding, A.V.; I entreat thee for I pray thee, A.V.; to hear for that thou wouldest hear, A.V. Of thy clemency ( τῇ σῇ ἐπιεικείᾳ). The word is rendered "gentleness" in 2 Corinthians 10:1, where alone it occurs in the New Testament; ἐπιείκης is most frequently rendered "gentle" (l Timothy 3:3 (R.V.); Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1 Peter 2:18). A few words. The Greek has συντόμως, briefly, concisely, found only here in the New Testament, but common in classical Greek and especially in medical writers, where it means "rapidly," "in a short time."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.in orderἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.not to burdenἐνκόπτω(enkoptō)Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1465:To interrupt, hinder. From en and kopto; to cut into, i.e. impede, detain.youσε(se)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.any further,πλεῖόν(pleion)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4119:Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.I begπαρακαλῶ(parakalō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3870:From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.yourσῇ(sē)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4674:Yours, thy, thine. From su; thine.indulgenceἐπιεικείᾳ(epieikeia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1932:Considerateness, forbearance, fairness, gentleness, mildness. From epieikes; suitableness, i.e. equity, mildness.to hearἀκοῦσαί(akousai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.usἡμῶν(hēmōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.briefly.συντόμως(syntomōs)Adverb
Strong's 4935:Concisely, briefly. Adverb from a derivative of suntemno; concisely.
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NT Apostles: Acts 24:4 But that I don't delay you (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
