Acts 24:20
New International Version
Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—

New Living Translation
Ask these men here what crime the Jewish high council found me guilty of,

English Standard Version
Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,

Berean Standard Bible
Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

Berean Literal Bible
Otherwise, let them say themselves any unrighteousness they found in me, having stood before the Council,

King James Bible
Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

New King James Version
Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council,

New American Standard Bible
Or else have these men themselves declare what violation they discovered when I stood before the Council,

NASB 1995
“Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council,

NASB 1977
“Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council,

Legacy Standard Bible
Or else let these men themselves tell what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

Amplified Bible
Or else let these men tell what crime they found [me guilty of] when I stood before the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court),

Christian Standard Bible
Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Either let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

American Standard Version
Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council,

Contemporary English Version
Or ask the ones who are here. They can tell you that they didn't find me guilty of anything when I was tried by their own council.

English Revised Version
Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found, when I stood before the council,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Otherwise, these men who are accusing me should tell what I was charged with when I stood in front of their council.

Good News Translation
Or let these who are here tell what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the Council--

International Standard Version
Otherwise, these men themselves should tell what wrong they found when I stood before the Council —

Majority Standard Bible
Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

NET Bible
Or these men here should tell what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the council,

New Heart English Bible
Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,

Webster's Bible Translation
Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil-doing in me, while I stood before the council,

Weymouth New Testament
Or let these men themselves say what misdemeanour they found me guilty of when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

World English Bible
Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
or let these same say if they found any unrighteousness in me in my standing before the Sanhedrin,

Berean Literal Bible
Otherwise, let them say themselves any unrighteousness they found in me, having stood before the Council,

Young's Literal Translation
or let these same say if they found any unrighteousness in me in my standing before the sanhedrim,

Smith's Literal Translation
Or let these themselves say, if they found any injustice in me, I having stood before the council,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Or let these men themselves say, if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Or let these ones here say if they have found in me any iniquity, while standing before the council.

New American Bible
or let these men themselves state what crime they discovered when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

New Revised Standard Version
Or let these men here tell what crime they had found when I stood before the council,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Or else let these same people here say, what fault they found in me when I stood before their council.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Or let them say what offense they have found in me when I stood before their Council,”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Or let these persons here say, what offensive conduct they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

Godbey New Testament
Or let them tell what injustice they found, while I was standing before the sanhedrim,

Haweis New Testament
Or let the persons themselves here present say, if they found any thing criminal in me, when I stood before the sanhedrim,

Mace New Testament
or let these now declare, if they could convict me of any misdemeanor, when I was brought before the Sanhedrim:

Weymouth New Testament
Or let these men themselves say what misdemeanour they found me guilty of when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

Worrell New Testament
Or let these themselves say what wrong they found in me when standing before the Sanhedrin,

Worsley New Testament
Or let these themselves say, if they found any crime in me, when I stood before the sanhedrim;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Defense to Felix
19who 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, 21unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ”…

Cross References
Acts 23:6-9
Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” / As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. / For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. ...

Acts 22:30
The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

Acts 25:7-8
When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove. / Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”

Acts 26:31-32
On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 21:28-29
crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” / For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.

Acts 6:13-14
where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

Acts 7:58
They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 18:12-13
While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. / “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said.

Acts 25:19-20
They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive. / Since I was at a loss as to how to investigate these matters, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges.

Acts 28:17-18
After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. / They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.

Acts 9:23-24
After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.

Acts 13:45-46
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying. / Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 17:5-7
The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”

Acts 19:33-34
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people. / But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

Acts 21:11
Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”


Treasury of Scripture

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

Jump to Previous
Council Crime Evil Evil-Doing Found Guilty Injustice Present Sanhedrim Sanhedrin Standing State Stood Themselves Unrighteousness Wrong Wrongdoing Wrong-Doing
Jump to Next
Council Crime Evil Evil-Doing Found Guilty Injustice Present Sanhedrim Sanhedrin Standing State Stood Themselves Unrighteousness Wrong Wrongdoing Wrong-Doing
Acts 24
1. Paul being accused by Tertullus the orator,
10. answers for his life and doctrine.
24. He preaches Christ to the governor and his wife.
26. The governor hopes for a bribe, but in vain.
27. Felix, succeeded by Festus, leaves Paul in prison.














Otherwise
This word serves as a transition, indicating a shift in Paul's defense. In the Greek, "ἤ" (ē) is used, which can be translated as "or else." It suggests a logical progression in Paul's argument, emphasizing the absence of evidence against him. Paul is challenging his accusers to present any legitimate wrongdoing, highlighting the lack of credible charges.

let these men
Here, Paul refers to his accusers, the Jewish leaders who have brought him before the Roman governor. The phrase underscores the accountability and responsibility of the accusers to provide evidence. In the historical context, it was customary for accusers to present their case directly, and Paul is calling for transparency and truth.

state
The Greek word "εἰπάτωσαν" (eipatōsan) is used, meaning "let them say" or "declare." Paul is demanding a clear and public declaration of any accusations. This reflects the legal practices of the time, where verbal testimony was crucial in judicial proceedings. Paul’s insistence on a statement underscores his confidence in his innocence.

what wrongdoing
The term "ἀδικίαν" (adikian) in Greek refers to injustice or moral wrong. Paul is challenging his accusers to specify any act of injustice he has committed. This highlights the Christian principle of living blamelessly and the importance of integrity. Paul’s life and ministry were characterized by adherence to God’s law, and he is confident that no wrongdoing can be found.

they found
The Greek word "εὗρον" (heuron) means "they found" or "discovered." Paul is emphasizing the investigative aspect of the accusations. Historically, the Sanhedrin was responsible for examining religious and legal matters, and Paul is pointing out that their investigation yielded no evidence of guilt.

when I stood
This phrase refers to Paul’s previous appearance before the Sanhedrin. The Greek "στάς" (stas) indicates standing, which was a common posture for defendants in a trial. Paul’s reference to standing before the Sanhedrin highlights his willingness to face scrutiny and his commitment to truth.

before the Sanhedrin
The Sanhedrin was the supreme religious council in Jerusalem, composed of leading priests, scribes, and elders. It held significant authority in Jewish religious and legal matters. Paul’s mention of the Sanhedrin underscores the gravity of the accusations and the high level of scrutiny he faced. Historically, the Sanhedrin was known for its strict adherence to Jewish law, and Paul’s ability to stand blameless before them speaks to his integrity and the righteousness of his cause.

(20) If they have found any evil doing in me . . .--The better MSS. give, "what evil thing" (or, what wrong act) "they found in me." This, from St. Paul's point of view, was the one instance in which any words of his had been even the occasion of an uproar, and in them he had but proclaimed a belief which he held in common with their best and wisest teachers. So far as the proceedings before the Council were concerned, he had not even entered on the question of the Messiahship or the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

Verse 20. - Men themselves for same here, A.V.; what wrong-doing they found for if they have found any evil doing in me, A.V. and T.R.; when for while, A.V. Let these men themselves. Since the Asiatic Jews are not here to bear witness, let these men who are here speak for themselves as to what they witnessed in the Sanhedrim.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Otherwise,
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

let [these men] state
εἰπάτωσαν (eipatōsan)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

for themselves
αὐτοὶ (autoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

any
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

crime
ἀδίκημα (adikēma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 92: A legal wrong, crime (with which one is charged), misdeed, crime against God, a sin. From adikeo; a wrong done.

they found
εὗρον (heuron)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

in me
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

when I stood
στάντος (stantos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

before
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Sanhedrin,
συνεδρίου (synedriou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4892: A council, tribunal; the Sanhedrin, the meeting place of the Sanhedrin.


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Acts 24:19
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