Acts 24:12

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 24:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.
Acts 24:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 24

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, etc.] Either about civil or religious affairs: not that it was criminal to dispute in the temple; it was a common thing for the doctors to dispute about matters of religion, in the porches, and courts, and chambers of the temple, as it may be observed they often did with Christ; but the apostle mentions this to show, that he was so far from moving sedition among the people of the Jews, that he never so much as entered into any conversation with them, upon any subject whatever: true indeed, he was in the temple, and was found there, but not disputing with any, but purifying himself according to the law of Moses: neither raising…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“they neither found me . . . Neither can they prove the things, &c.--After specifying several particulars, he challenges proof of any one of the charges brought against him. So much for the charge of sedition.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And they neither found me ... - The first charge of Tertullus against Paul was Acts 24:5 that he was “a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition.” The charge of his being a Test was so general that Paul did not think it necessary to attempt to refute it. To the specification that he was a mover of sedition, he replies by a firm denial, and by a solemn declaration that they had not found him in any synagogue, or in the city, or in the temple, either disputing or exciting a tumult. Pits conduct there had been entirely peaceable, and they had no right to suppose that it had been otherwise anywhere. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Act 24:5, Act 25:8, Act 28:17 Acts 24:13”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification