For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prosecutor isn't just saying Paul is a troublemaker; he's deliberately using inflammatory language. Calling Paul a "plague" and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" paints him as a dangerous, foreign contagion, not just a dissenter, aiming to trigger the Roman governor's fear of unrest.
For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
An expert orator named Tertullus, hired by the Jewish leaders, stands before Governor Felix to present their case against Paul. Tertullus launches into a venomous accusation, portraying Paul as a dangerous troublemaker who incites riots among Jews everywhere and leads a disreputable sect called the Nazarenes. This speech is designed to instantly prejudice Felix against Paul by framing him as a threat to Roman peace and order.
Why did Paul's accuser call him a 'pestilence'? It wasn't just a strong insult – it was a calculated move to demonize him.
Tertullus, the skilled orator prosecuting Paul, launches his case with a powerful, inflammatory accusation: 'we have found this man a pestilence.'
More Than Just an Insult
You might know the term 'Christian,' but the early followers of Jesus were called something else – and it wasn't a compliment.
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Tertullus targets Paul by associating him with a specific group: 'the sect of the Nazarenes.'
A Name of Contempt
Understand the original words
loimos · Greek Noun
Often translated as 'pest' or 'contagion,' it signifies someone viewed as a corrupting, destructive, or socially dangerous influence.
Ioudaios · Hebrew (implied context) / Greek Noun/Adjective
Refers to the people of Israel, the covenant people chosen by God, central to the history of redemption and the setting of the early church's witness.
hairesis · Greek Noun
A distinct group or school of thought, often carrying a negative connotation of division or deviation from the established religious orthodoxy.
Nazōraios · Greek Noun
A title used for followers of Jesus, derived from his upbringing in Nazareth; it was often used by opponents as a derogatory label for early Christians.
The accusations leveled against Paul as a 'pestilence,' 'mover of sedition,' and 'ringleader of the Nazarenes' reflect the volatile political and religious climate of the Roman Empire, where any perceived challenge to Roman authority or Jewish tradition was met with severe suspicion and hostility.
c. AD 33
Ascension of Jesus Christ
Jesus' ascension to heaven marks the beginning of the church age and the inauguration of the Holy Spirit's work in empowering the apostles.
c. AD 33-36
Early Church in Jerusalem
The nascent Christian movement centers in Jerusalem, experiencing rapid growth and facing initial persecution from Jewish authorities.
c. AD 36
Stephen's Martyrdom
Stephen, a prominent early Christian leader, is stoned to death, initiating a period of intense persecution that disperses many believers from Jerusalem.
c. AD 36-48
Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, is dramatically converted and begins his ministry, eventually becoming the apostle to the Gentiles.
c. AD 48-52
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul travels extensively through Asia Minor, establishing churches and encountering both receptive audiences and significant opposition from Jewish leaders.
c. AD 52-56
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends a prolonged period in Ephesus, a major Roman city, where his ministry sparks widespread upheaval and opposition, particularly from those whose livelihoods are threatened by his message.
c. AD 56— this verse
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Upon returning to Jerusalem, Paul is falsely accused by Jewish leaders of defiling the temple and inciting riots, leading to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment.
Nabal's servants accuse David of being a rebellious slave who has fled his master, echoing the accusation against Paul of being a troublemaker and a seditionist.
Jeremiah 20:10The prophet Jeremiah describes himself as slandered by many, saying 'Report it,' and they will report it. All my close friends are watching for my stumbling... This reflects the intense, widespread opposition and false accusations Paul faced, with people actively seeking his downfall.
Matthew 10:25Jesus warns his disciples that if they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they call those of his household! This shows that the name-calling and accusations against Jesus were directly transferred to his followers, like Paul being called a ringleader of the Nazarenes.
Acts 6:11Stephen's accusers falsely claimed he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God, showing a pattern of religious leaders using similar, inflammatory accusations against early Christians to incite opposition.
Acts 17:6-7The Thessalonian Jews accused Paul and his companions of acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that another king, Jesus, has arisen. This demonstrates the real-world political implications and sedition charges often leveled against Paul's ministry, mirroring Tertullus' claims.
ellicottActs 24:5: "For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:"
(5) We have found this man a pestilent fellow. —The Greek gives the more emphatic substantive, a pestilence, a plague. The advocate passes from flattering the judge to invective against the defendant, and lays stress on the fact that he is charged with the very crimes which Felix prided himself on repressing. St. Paul, we may…
gillActs 24:5: "For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:"
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow,.... Pointing to Paul, the prisoner at the bar; the word here used signifies the "pest" or "plague" itself; and it was usual with orators among the Romans, when they would represent a man as a very wicked man, as dangerous to the state, and unworthy to live in it, to call him the…
This prosecutor isn't just saying Paul is a troublemaker; he's deliberately using inflammatory language. Calling Paul a "plague" and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" paints him as a dangerous, foreign contagion, not just a dissenter, aiming to trigger the Roman governor's fear of unrest.
An expert orator named Tertullus, hired by the Jewish leaders, stands before Governor Felix to present their case against Paul. Tertullus launches into a venomous accusation, portraying Paul as a dangerous troublemaker who incites riots among Jews everywhere and leads a disreputable sect called the Nazarenes. This speech is designed to instantly prejudice Felix against Paul by framing him as a threat to Roman peace and order.
An expert orator named Tertullus, hired by the Jewish leaders, stands before Governor Felix to present their case against Paul. Tertullus launches into a venomous accusation, portraying Paul as a dangerous troublemaker who incites riots among Jews everywhere and leads a disreputable sect called the Nazarenes. This speech is designed to instantly prejudice Felix against Paul by framing him as a threat to Roman peace and order.
"For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." — This prosecutor isn't just saying Paul is a troublemaker; he's deliberately using inflammatory language. Calling Paul a "plague" and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" paints him as a danger…
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Last reviewed October 2026