The hearing Before Felix

Acts 24:22-25:5

“And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.” (Acts 24:22)

Having been governor for several years, Felix knew a good deal about the Christian’s beliefs, and that they were not trying to destroy the Jewish religion. He also knew the Jewish leaders would do almost any thing to maintain their political and religious power. Like politicians today, they would make any charges that they thought might discredit their opponents. He put them off until the chief captain was could explain what really happened.

“And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.” (Acts 24:23)

While Paul was technically a prisoner, He had not been indicted, and Felix placed him under house arrest, free to move about the community and visit people at will. The centurion’s main job was to see that Paul didn’t leave town.

“And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:24-25)

Because he was familiar with both Jewish and Christian beliefs, Felix wanted to know more, and had Paul brought to speak to him and his wife. As Paul spoke, Felix was convicted about his need for a savior, to the point of actually trembling from he emotional stress, but chose not to accept at that time. As has been stated before the Holy Spirit does not force people to do what is right, but allows man to decide for himself.

“He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.” (Acts 24:26)

Apparently, Felix never experienced the same level of conviction, and began to hope that Paul would bribe him to turn him loose. The Roman system left a lot of things to the discretion of the individual, and was riddled with graft and corruption.

“But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.” (Acts 24:27)

Paul had languished as a prisoner for two years. When Festus was appointed to replace Felix, for political reasons, Felix left Paul as a prisoner. Three days after his appointment, Festus made a trip to Jerusalem to meet with his subjects.

“Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.” (Acts 25:1-3)

The Jews tried to take advantage of Festus’ not knowing their practices to get rid of Paul. They requested that Paul be brought to Jerusalem for trial, with the intention of attacking and killing him in transit, before Festus would realize what was happening.

“But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.” (Acts 25:4-5)

The Holy Spirit caused Festus to instead keep Paul at Caesarea and order the Jews to go there to present their evidence and see if there was a real case.