Acts 24:19

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me.

American Standard Version (1901)

who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me.

Bible in Basic English

And it would have been better if they had come here to make a statement, if they have anything against me.

Douay-Rheims 1899

But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had any thing against me:

Free Bible Version

But some Jews from the province of Asia were there, who should be present here before you today to bring their charges, if they have anything against me.

Geneva Bible 1599

Who ought to haue bene present before thee, and accuse me, if they had ought against me.

King James (Authorized) Version

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Plain English Version

It was some other Jews from Asia country that made the people go wild. If those Asia Jews really thought I did something wrong, why didn’t they come here to blame me in front of you? I reckon they know their story isn’t true.

Translation for Translators

But it was some other Jews who had come from Asia province who really caused people to riot. They should be here in front of you (sg) to accuse me, if they thought that I did something wrong.

Unlocked Literal Bible

These men ought to be before you now and say what they have against me, if they have anything.

Noah Webster Bible

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object if they had aught against me.

World English Bible

They ought to have been here before you and to make accusation if they had anything against me.

Young's Literal Translation

whom it behoveth to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had anything against me,

Context

Paul’s Defense to Felix

¹⁸At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia¹⁹who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. ²⁰Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

Summary

In Acts 24:19, the apostle Paul defends himself before Governor Felix, asserting that his accusers did not find him arguing with anyone in the temple or stirring up a crowd. Paul emphasizes that his actions were peaceful and focused on worshiping God. This verse highlights Paul's commitment to living a blameless life and maintaining a clear conscience before both God and man. It serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and righteousness in the face of false accusations and opposition.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Or else let these same here say,.... They that are present, the high priest and the elders, who were come down to accuse him: if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council; or "Jewish sanhedrim"; when he was brought before them by the chief captain, Act 22:30 meaning, if any evil was then done by him, or any iniquity proved upon him, let it be declared; for as for his imprecation, or prophecy, that God would smite the high priest, he excused himself on that head, as not knowing it was the high priest.