What is the meaning of Acts 24:8?

By examining him yourself

• Tertullus appeals to Governor Felix’s authority, urging a personal investigation instead of hearsay (Acts 23:30; Luke 23:14).

• Scripture consistently commends leaders who weigh evidence firsthand—“When I was found to be accused concerning questions of their law…but nothing deserving death or imprisonment” (Acts 25:25).

• For us, the phrase reminds that Christ-followers must test everything and “examine the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) rather than accept accusations at face value (Proverbs 18:13).

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you will be able to learn

• Tertullus promises that inquiry will uncover facts, appealing to Felix’s role as judge (John 7:51).

• God values truth discovered through honest searching; “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1).

• This echoes Jesus’ invitation: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find” (Matthew 7:7). Knowing requires intentional pursuit—not apathy.

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the truth about all our charges against him

• Tertullus implies overwhelming evidence, yet later admits no proof (Acts 24:13). Luke, guided by the Spirit, highlights the contrast between human accusation and divine vindication (Acts 25:7; 1 Peter 3:16).

• “Truth” is central; Scripture insists justice stands or falls on verifiable fact (Isaiah 59:14).

• While Tertullus frames Paul as a public menace, God uses the courtroom to showcase the gospel’s integrity (Philippians 1:12-13).

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summary

Acts 24:8 records a lawyer’s confident claim that Felix’s personal examination of Paul will confirm guilt. Instead, the subsequent narrative proves Paul innocent and the gospel blameless. The verse underscores biblical calls to firsthand investigation, diligent pursuit of truth, and God’s ability to expose false charges while advancing His righteous purposes.