“And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. Acts 24:12

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A more literal translation is, “And neither found me disputing with anyone in the temple, or making a crowd revolt, nor in the synagogues or in the city” (CG).

Paul, in giving his defense to Felix, just noted that he just told him that it was only twelve days since he went up to Jerusalem to worship. He continues now, saying, “And neither found me disputing with anyone in the temple, or making a crowd revolt.”

These words introduce another new word to Scripture: episustasis. It signifies a conspiracy, concourse, tumult, etc. It is found only here and in 2 Corinthians 11:28, where Paul says, “I face daily the pressure (episustasis) of my concern for all the churches” (MSB).

What he says completely contradicts the words of Tertullus. Either one is true, and the other is lying, or both have fabricated a portion of his words, but both cannot be true. He never disputed with anyone in the temple, and there will be no proof of him making a revolt because such an event never took place.

The only ruckus that arose was because of accusations leveled against him, not because of his agitating anyone. This was carefully detailed by Luke in Chapter 21 –

“Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, ‘Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.’ 29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut.” Acts 21:27-30

His words to Felix mean that he never got into either a civil or a religious dispute, contradicting Tertullus’ accusations. Further, he claims that he incited no one, and he adds in an all-inclusive “nor in the synagogues or in the city.”

This could be easily substantiated by those Paul stayed with, if necessary. Unless the Jews were ready to present false witnesses, the matter would have to be decided based on who Felix believed was telling the truth. At this time, and based on Paul’s rebuttal, the Jews had neither a civil nor a religious claim against him that would stand up to eyewitness testimony.

Life application: The world is not normally a fair place. In many places, that is becoming more so as each day goes by. The corruption of the human heart is steadily taking over humanity, just as it did in the days of Noah. Soon enough, there will be no remedy, and God will remove His restraining power.

Sometime after that, the antichrist will come upon the scene, and the world will devolve into utter chaos and turmoil. But, as just noted, the world is on a path to that time now. If you are expecting to be protected from the power of wicked people, that may not be the case. Therefore, it is best to live your life quietly and not cause any trouble.

And yet, we are obligated to be bearers of the truth of God in Christ. Therefore, if you are faithful to this calling, you may be in the same position Paul found himself in. Be ready to stand on the truth as revealed in the word.

Paul and the other apostles, and so many since their time, have chosen that right path, even to the point of death. But a crown awaits them as it will you. So don’t fear what man can do to you. A better Day is ahead. The promises are sure, and the One who has given them is reliable. In this, you can safely trust.

O God, the world in which we live is quickly turning away from any semblance of right morality and holy living. Christians will inevitably be marked out as miscreants because of their refusal to support the depravity and wickedness that will be openly condoned. Until You call us home, give us the fortitude and courage to continue to proclaim Your truth. Amen.