Acts 24:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} as he {G846} reasoned {G1256} of {G4012} righteousness {G1343}, temperance {G2532}{G1466}, and {G2532} judgment {G2917} to come {G3195}{G1510}, Felix {G5344} trembled {G1096}{G1719}, and answered {G611}, Go thy way {G4198} for this time {G3568}; when {G1161} I have {G2192}{G3335} a convenient season {G2540}, I will call for {G3333} thee {G4571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when Sha’ul began to discuss righteousness, self-control and the coming Judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “For the time being, go away! I will send for you when I get a chance.”

Berean Standard Bible

As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”

American Standard Version

And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 24:25 vividly portrays the Apostle Paul's unwavering commitment to gospel proclamation, even while imprisoned before the Roman governor Felix and his wife Drusilla. Paul, rather than defending himself, seized the opportunity to expound on profound eternal truths: divine righteousness, self-control, and the certainty of future judgment. This powerful discourse provoked a deep, fearful conviction in Felix, who, despite his trembling, chose to postpone his spiritual response, illustrating the perilous danger of spiritual procrastination and the tragic cost of delaying one's encounter with the truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Paul's imprisonment and trials, specifically his defense before Governor Felix in Caesarea. Following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent transfer due to a Jewish plot against his life, Paul is held in custody. The preceding verses (Acts 24:22-24) describe Felix's initial curiosity and his summoning of Paul, along with his wife Drusilla, to hear more about "the faith in Christ." This sets the stage for Paul's direct and uncompromising address, which is not a legal defense but a spiritual confrontation. The immediate aftermath, detailed in [Acts 24:26](/acts/24-26 "Acts 24:26 - Felix's Hope for a Bribe"), reveals Felix's corrupt motivations, as he frequently sent for Paul, hoping for a bribe, highlighting the contrast between Paul's spiritual integrity and Felix's worldly avarice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Felix, whose full name was Antonius Felix, was the Roman procurator of Judea from 52 to 58 AD. Historical accounts, such as those by Tacitus and Josephus, depict him as a notoriously corrupt, cruel, and immoral ruler. His marriage to Drusilla, a Jewish princess and sister of King Agrippa II, was scandalous, as she was previously married to the king of Emesa, Azizi, whom Felix persuaded her to leave. This background is crucial for understanding the pointed nature of Paul's message concerning "righteousness" and "temperance." Roman governors held immense power, often acting with impunity, and were accustomed to being flattered rather than challenged. Paul's directness, therefore, was not only courageous but also culturally audacious, confronting a powerful figure on his own moral failings within his own residence.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 24:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the **uncompromising nature of the gospel message**, which confronts sin directly, regardless of the listener's status. Paul did not dilute the truth for a powerful audience, embodying the principle of [preaching the word in season and out of season](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word"). Secondly, it highlights the **power of divine truth to convict**, even in hardened hearts, as evidenced by Felix's trembling. This demonstrates the Holy Spirit's work through the spoken word, as seen in other instances where the gospel evokes strong reactions (e.g., [Acts 2:37](/acts/2-37 "Acts 2:37 - Conviction at Pentecost")). Thirdly, the verse serves as a stark warning about the **danger of spiritual procrastination**, a recurring human tendency to delay a necessary response to God's call, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast of Tomorrow") about the uncertainty of tomorrow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, this term signifies equity of character or act, specifically Christian justification. In this context, Paul is likely speaking of God's absolute moral standard and the uprightness required by Him, which stands in stark contrast to Felix's documented unrighteousness and corrupt practices. It implies not merely legal innocence but a state of conformity to God's perfect will and character.
* **Temperance (Greek, _enkráteia'_):** From G1466, meaning self-control, especially continence. This word directly addresses the mastery over one's passions and desires. For Felix, whose life was marked by greed, bribery, and an illicit relationship with Drusilla, this was a pointed challenge to his lack of moral discipline and self-restraint. It speaks to the inner strength required to resist sinful impulses.
* **Season (Greek, _kairós'_):** From G2540, meaning an occasion, a set or proper time, or an opportunity. Felix's phrase "when I have a convenient season" reveals his attempt to defer the spiritual decision. This is not merely any period of time (_chronos_), but a divinely appointed moment or opportunity for decision, which Felix consciously chose to postpone, illustrating the critical nature of responding to God's call in the present moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,"**: This clause describes the content of Paul's discourse. Paul, a prisoner, took the initiative to "reason" (Greek _dialégomai_, to discuss in argument or exhortation) with the governor, not about his legal case, but about fundamental ethical and eschatological truths. He laid bare God's standards of perfect **righteousness**, the necessity of **temperance** (self-control) in one's life, and the solemn reality of a **judgment to come**, a future divine reckoning for all human actions. These topics directly challenged Felix's known character and actions, which were marked by injustice, greed, and immorality.
* **"Felix trembled,"**: This phrase reveals Felix's immediate and profound reaction to Paul's message. The Greek word for "trembled" (G1096 _ginomai_ combined with G1719 _émphobos_) indicates that he "became afraid" or "was in fear." The spiritual truths Paul proclaimed, particularly the certainty of future judgment, struck deep into Felix's conscience, causing a powerful emotional and spiritual apprehension. This was not necessarily repentance, but a deep conviction of sin and impending accountability, a visceral response to the weight of God's truth.
* **"and answered, Go thy way for this time;"**: Despite his fear, Felix's immediate verbal response was to dismiss Paul. "Go thy way for this time" is a polite but firm dismissal, indicating his desire to end the uncomfortable confrontation. He acknowledged the impact of Paul's words by sending him away, rather than engaging further or repenting. This signals his initial resistance to the Holy Spirit's conviction.
* **"when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee."**: This final clause reveals Felix's fatal decision to procrastinate. He recognized the importance of Paul's message and the need for a personal response ("I will call for thee"), but he chose to defer it to a future, more "convenient season." This deferral, often a deceptive tactic of the human heart, allowed him to avoid immediate repentance and commitment, ultimately proving to be a tragic spiritual miscalculation, as there is no biblical record of him ever finding such a "convenient season."

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Juxtaposition**, contrasting Paul's unwavering commitment to truth and spiritual integrity with Felix's corrupt and morally compromised character. Paul, the prisoner, stands morally superior to Felix, the powerful governor. The text also uses **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows the tragic outcome of Felix's procrastination; his "convenient season" never arrives, highlighting the eternal consequences of delaying a response to God's call. Furthermore, there is an element of **Pathos** (appeal to emotion) in Felix's trembling, demonstrating the emotional impact of Paul's Logos (appeal to logic/reason) in his discourse on righteousness, temperance, and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 24:25 profoundly illustrates the inherent power of God's Word to convict the human heart, regardless of the listener's status or moral depravity. Paul's fearless proclamation of divine righteousness, the necessity of self-control, and the certainty of future judgment cut through Felix's worldly power and corruption, striking deep into his conscience. This moment underscores the universal accountability of all humanity before a holy God and serves as a stark warning against the spiritual peril of procrastination. While Felix felt conviction, his refusal to act on it immediately demonstrates the human tendency to resist God's call, prioritizing temporal comfort over eternal salvation.

* [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast of Tomorrow")
* [2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - Now is the Day of Salvation")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed Death and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 24:25 offers timeless lessons for both evangelism and personal spiritual growth. Paul's example calls believers to courageous and uncompromising witness, speaking truth in love even to those in positions of power or those deeply entrenched in sin. The power of the gospel lies in its inherent ability to convict, and our role is to faithfully proclaim it, trusting the Holy Spirit to work on hearts. For the listener, Felix's reaction serves as a sobering mirror. His trembling reveals the Holy Spirit's conviction, a divine invitation to repentance. Yet, his subsequent delay highlights the immense danger of spiritual procrastination. The "convenient season" often never comes, and the opportunity for salvation can be tragically lost. This passage urges us to respond immediately to God's call, recognizing the urgency of the present moment for repentance and faith. We are all accountable to God for our lives, and the truths of righteousness, temperance, and judgment are universal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to procrastinate on spiritual matters, similar to Felix?**
* **How does Paul's boldness in speaking truth to power challenge my own willingness to share the gospel without compromise?**
* **What specific truths about God's righteousness, self-control, or future judgment do I need to reflect on more deeply in my own life?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of urgency in responding to God's promptings and sharing the good news with others?**

### FAQ

**What does "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 24:25, Paul's discourse on "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come" was a direct and pointed message to Governor Felix, whose life was marked by corruption and immorality. "Righteousness" refers to God's perfect moral standard and the uprightness He requires, contrasting sharply with Felix's injustice and greed. "Temperance" (or self-control) speaks to mastery over one's passions and desires, directly challenging Felix's lack of moral discipline, particularly his scandalous relationship with Drusilla and his avarice. "Judgment to come" refers to the certain future divine reckoning for all human actions, good or bad. This truth, that everyone will face God's tribunal, would have profoundly disturbed a man who believed he was above earthly law and accountable to no one but Caesar. Paul's message was designed to expose Felix's sin and call him to account before God.

**Why did Felix tremble, and what was the significance of his response?**

Answer: Felix trembled because Paul's message, empowered by the Holy Spirit, struck deep into his conscience. The truths of God's perfect righteousness, the need for self-control, and the inevitability of a future divine judgment directly confronted his immoral lifestyle and corrupt practices. This trembling indicates a powerful emotional and spiritual conviction of sin and impending accountability, a visceral fear of God's impending justice. However, the significance of his response lies in his subsequent action: "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." Despite feeling the weight of truth, Felix chose to postpone his response. This spiritual procrastination is a tragic example of resisting the Holy Spirit's call, prioritizing temporal comfort over eternal salvation, and ultimately failing to embrace the "acceptable time" for repentance and faith ([2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - Now is the Day of Salvation")). There is no biblical record that Felix ever found his "convenient season."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:25, though focusing on Paul's encounter with Felix, powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the truths Paul proclaimed. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of perfect **righteousness** ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")), the one who perfectly fulfilled God's righteous demands and offers His righteousness to all who believe ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith")). He demonstrated absolute **temperance** and self-control throughout His earthly ministry, never yielding to temptation ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Tempted But Sinless")), providing the perfect example for believers to live by the Spirit's power ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Most significantly, Jesus is the one appointed by God as the ultimate **Judge** of the living and the dead ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son"); [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day for Judgment")). Felix trembled at the prospect of judgment, but for those who place their faith in Christ, the judgment for sin has already been borne by Him on the cross, offering freedom from condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Thus, Paul's message, while convicting Felix, ultimately foreshadows the gospel's call to find refuge from the coming judgment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Righteous One and the Judge.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 16:8

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead.

2 Peter 1:6

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Galatians 5:23

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Revelation 20:11

¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.