Acts 24:24

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 {G1161} after {G3326} certain {G5100} days {G2250}, when Felix {G5344} came {G3854} with {G4862} his {G846} wife {G1135} Drusilla {G1409}, which was {G5607} a Jewess {G2453}, he sent for {G3343} Paul {G3972}, and {G2532} heard {G191} him {G846} concerning {G4012} the faith {G4102} in {G1519} Christ {G5547}.

After some days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Sha’ul and listened to him as he spoke about trusting in the Messiah Yeshua.

After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.

Commentary

Acts 24:24 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment in Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea, where he is given an opportunity to share the Christian message with the Roman governor Felix and his Jewish wife, Drusilla.

Context

Following Paul's arrest in Jerusalem and his transfer to Caesarea, he had already presented his initial defense before Governor Felix (recorded in Acts 24:10-21). Felix, though having some knowledge of "the Way" (Christianity), had deferred judgment, keeping Paul under house arrest with some liberty. This verse highlights a private audience requested by Felix, accompanied by his wife Drusilla. Drusilla was a fascinating figure: the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I, sister to Herod Agrippa II and Bernice, and known for her beauty. Her Jewish heritage made her particularly interested in Paul's teachings, and perhaps Felix hoped to gain a better understanding of the issues at hand, or even receive a bribe (Acts 24:26).

Key Themes

  • Opportunity for Witness: Even as a prisoner, Paul consistently finds opportunities to preach the gospel. This encounter demonstrates that God can use any circumstance, even confinement, to spread His word to those in authority. It reflects Paul's commitment to be a chosen instrument to bear Christ's name before kings and Gentiles.
  • The Nature of "The Faith in Christ": Felix and Drusilla specifically wanted to hear about "the faith in Christ." This refers to the core tenets of Christian belief, centering on Jesus Christ as the Messiah, His death, resurrection, and the salvation offered through Him. It encompasses repentance, righteousness, and the coming judgment, as further elaborated in the subsequent verse (Acts 24:25).
  • Mixed Motives of the Hearers: While Felix and Drusilla sought to hear Paul, their motives likely varied. Drusilla, as a Jewess, might have had a genuine curiosity about how Jesus related to the Jewish prophecies, while Felix's interest might have been more political, legal, or even personal, as suggested by his hope for a bribe.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the faith in Christ" translates from the Greek ten pistin eis Christon. This is not merely an intellectual assent to facts about Christ, but a deep, trusting commitment and personal reliance into Christ. It signifies the surrender of one's life to Him and belief in His saving power, which is the foundation of Christian discipleship.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that every circumstance, even adversity or confinement, can be an opportunity for evangelism. Paul, despite his chains, remained an ambassador for Christ. We are called to be ready to articulate "the faith in Christ" to anyone who will listen, regardless of their status or our own circumstances (1 Peter 3:15). It also highlights that hearing the gospel is a serious matter; it demands a response beyond mere curiosity. Felix's delayed response and ultimate failure to embrace the faith serve as a cautionary tale for those who hear the truth but fail to act upon it.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 20:21

    Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Galatians 2:16

    Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

  • Galatians 3:2

    This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

  • Acts 16:31

    And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

  • Luke 23:8

    And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long [season], because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

  • Mark 6:20

    For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

  • Jude 1:3

    ¶ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
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