Acts 24:10
Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
The verse belongs to Paul's hearing before Felix at Caesarea, where after the governor beckoned to him to speak he answered for himself against the charges brought by his Jerusalem accusers. The charges he was given opportunity to answer were that he had stirred up sedition, led the sect of the Nazarenes or heresy, and profaned the temple.
Paul addressed the Roman governor respectfully and acknowledged his long experience as judge, but wasted no words in flattery or fulsome compliments, unlike Tertullus. He stated that he answered for himself the more cheerfully because Felix had been for many years a judge and procurator unto the Jewish nation, so that long service had given him a good understanding of Jewish laws and customs. His cheerful defense then proceeded step by step to refute those charges.
The setting was one of accusations that were not proved, where Roman officials recognized his innocence while Jewish tribunals condemned him. After this appearance Felix ended his rule and Porcius Festus was appointed in his place. Felix was less honorable than Festus, who refused bribes and endeavored to administer justice and would not sacrifice justice to gain popularity, and in penetrating the motive of the Jews Festus resembled Gallio rather than Felix.