24:2a
When Paul had been called in: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
When ⌊the governor⌋ ordered that Paul be brought in
This clause implies that Paul went to the governor before Tertullus began presenting his case in full. (In 24:1c, they only told the governor what the charges were.) For example:
When a message was sent to have Paul come/brought ⌊and he arrived⌋
-or-
Then Paul was brought to ⌊the court⌋
-or-
Then ⌊the governor⌋ spoke ⌊to a soldier/official/jailer and he went and⌋ brought Paul
called in: It indicates that the governor ordered someone to tell Paul to come. That person went and brought Paul to the governor. Here the word called does not refer to someone shouting to Paul. See the above examples.
Tertullus opened the prosecution: The Greek words are literally “Tertullus began to accuse, saying.” The words that Tertullus spoke are in 24:2b–6b. The Berean Standard Bible indicates that connection with a colon (:) at the end of 24:2a. Other ways to translate this clause are:
Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Tertullus began the prosecution in these words: (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
Tertullus spoke to accuse him/Paul. He said,
-or-
Tertullus began to make his accusation, as follows: (Good News Translation)
opened the prosecution: This phrase describes the process of a lawyer trying to convince the judge that someone is guilty. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
began to accuse Paul
-or-
began to declare how Paul was guilty
24:2b–3b
These two sentences are partly true but mostly flattery (excessive praise of someone to cause him to like you or what you want to say). Some flattery was expected when beginning to speak to a Roman judge. Use words, phrases or a style of language that would help gain the favor of the judge.
24:2b
Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace: The Greek words are literally “Having gained much peace through you.” It indicates that Felix ruled in a way that caused people to live in peace. Tertullus and the Jewish leaders appreciated that peace.
But this clause is also flattery. Felix dealt severely and cruelly with Jewish civil disturbances, Jews claiming to be the Messiah, a group of Jewish assassins, and groups of thieves. Tertullus only said that life was peaceful as a way to flatter Felix. But Felix probably knew it was flattery. Translate in a way that indicates or allows flattery here. Other ways to translate this clause are:
Since we have through you attained much peace (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
you have provided a long period of peace for us (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
through your wise leadership we have lasting peace (God’s Word)
a lasting peace: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as lasting is literally “much.” By this time Felix had ruled Judea for about five years. The Greek word can mean “a lot of” or “a long time of.” As flattery, Tertullus may have implied either or both. Translate in a way that implies either or both.
24:2c
your foresight has brought improvements to this nation: Felix dealt severely with Jewish troublemakers, and many Jews became more and more upset with him. Tertullus referred to his actions in general as improvements, which would flatter Felix. Saying that Felix had foresight would also flatter him. Translate in a way that indicates or allows flattery here. Other ways to translate this clause are:
reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
by your foresight,…reforms are being made for this nation (English Standard Version)
-or-
You have planned ahead and done much to improve this country
foresight: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as foresight refers to thinking about the future, understanding what will likely happen, and planning appropriately. It also refers to providing help to others. Tertullus claimed that Felix planned for future needs of the nation of Israel. Other ways to translate this word are:
planning ahead
-or-
wise leadership (Good News Translation)
-or-
wise help (New Century Version)
improvements: This word refers to correcting problems for the people in a region. Here it may refer to reducing corruption, improving laws, providing better roads, and such. For example:
improved conditions of living (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
this nation: Here this phrase refers to Israel. It is not known whether Tertullus was a Jew or not, so do not translate this phrase as “our nation.”
Some languages do not have a word for the meaning of nation. If that is true in your language, refer to the Jews as people grouped by language, culture, and religion. For example:
the Jewish people
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