When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is coming to this nation by your foresight,
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 2. By thy provision. [1] Lit. thy providence, by thy prudence. Witham.—Though Felix governed Judea in the arbitrary manner mentioned in the note on the last chapter, he had nevertheless done some good, which is recorded to his honour. See Joseph. Ant. xx. 6. 11. and Bel. Jud. xii. But had this not been the case, a public orator seldom scruples to gain over the man by praises, whose judgment he seeks. Saint Paul was not ignorant of this rule of rhetoric, though he refuses to imitate Tertullus by pressing flattery into his service, as we observe below, verse 10 and Acts 22:1. 3. See also the exordiums of Cicero pro Roscio, pro Milone, and so forth and so forth