Acts 24:10

Apparently with any previous notification of the charges and without time to put together his defense, Paul is expected to defend himself without having any legal counsel of his own. Yet, Jesus had promised the apostles inspiration during such times (Luke 21:15). "Knowing that for many years you have been. judge to this nation" Paul's introduction is respectful but it is not hypocritical and neither does he lie and flatter. Paul is grateful that he is speaking to. man who is not. newcomer to the area, but rather. man who had experience in dealing with the Jewish nation and thus he would be more prepared to correctly access the charges. Felix had been governor of Judea for six years before this trial; in addition he had been in Palestine as ruler over Samaria all the way back to A.D. 48. "Paul's tone was one of frankness and truthfulness, not of lying flattery and distorted facts" (Reese p. 842).