Acts 24:2
And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
Five days after Paul's arrival at Caesarea his accusers came down from Jerusalem with Tertullus as their hired orator and counsel, and Paul was brought before the assembly for a speedy hearing. The accusation belonged to a continuing Jewish hostility that had not lessened during his imprisonment, with a request to try him in Jerusalem concealing a plan to kill him on the way. In this trial the Jewish leaders repeatedly renewed charges against him without proving them, while the Roman magistrates recognized his innocence.
The verse begins Tertullus's accusation of Paul by crediting the governor with giving the nation great quietness and worthy deeds by his providence. The opening praise was deliberate flattery by a shrewd orator who judged that praise would have more influence on the governor, used to curry favor and win influence rather than to state truth and justice.
The praise was false, since the governor's character and rule were base, cruel and corrupt and had not brought such peace and benefits. Those listening knew the flattery was untrue but wanted Paul condemned more than they cared about truth.