Acts 24:4

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Mais, pour ne pas te retenir davantage, je te prie d'écouter, dans ta bonté, ce que nous avons à dire en peu de mots.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Tertullus is speaking to the governor Felix, asking him politely to hear a few more words from them so as not to take up too much of his time. The key message is about being respectful and concise when addressing someone in authority.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're at recess and your friend has been telling a long story. You want to share something, but you don't want to make the teacher upset by taking more of her time. So you ask nicely if she can give you just a little bit more time to say a few words.

Historical Background

The Book of Acts was written by Luke, one of Paul's companions, around 60-70 AD. This particular verse is part of Tertullus' speech before the governor Felix in Caesarea, where Jews were falsely accusing the apostle Paul. The cultural setting reflects the Jewish-Roman tensions and legal proceedings under Roman rule.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, if you're addressing your boss during a busy meeting, it's wise to be brief yet respectful. For example, if you need to report an urgent issue, start by acknowledging their time constraints and ask politely for a moment of attention before sharing essential details.

Topics

• respect
• communication
• authority
• speech
• politeness
• legal proceedings

Related Verses

• Proverbs 10:19
• Ephesians 4:29
• Matthew 7:6
• Acts 18:13
• Romans 12:17

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tertullus speaking to in Acts 24:4?

Tertullus is addressing the governor Felix, who was responsible for legal proceedings and governance in Caesarea under Roman rule.

What does it mean by 'thy clemency' in Acts 24:4?

'Thy clemency' refers to Felix's mercy or leniency, showing respect and appealing to his compassionate side as a leader.

How is this verse relevant today?

This verse encourages us to be mindful of others' time when we speak, especially in professional settings or to authority figures, promoting respectful communication.

What can we learn about public speaking from Acts 24:4?

The verse teaches the importance of being concise and polite, ensuring that your message is delivered efficiently without overstepping or disrespecting the audience's time.