Acts 24:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hoped {G1679} also {G260}{G1161}{G2532} that {G3754} money {G5536} should have been given {G1325} him {G846} of {G5259} Paul {G3972}, that {G3704} he might loose {G3089} him {G846}: wherefore {G1352} he sent for {G3343} him {G846} the oftener {G4437}, and {G2532} communed with {G3656} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At the same time, he hoped that Sha’ul would offer him a bribe; so he sent for him rather often and kept talking with him.

Berean Standard Bible

At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.

American Standard Version

He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 24:26 exposes the corrupt heart of Governor Felix, revealing that his continued interaction with the apostle Paul was not driven by a genuine desire for truth or justice, but by a cynical expectation of a bribe. Despite Paul's compelling defense and powerful proclamation of the gospel, Felix kept him imprisoned, repeatedly summoning him in the hope that Paul or his associates would offer money for his release, thus highlighting the pervasive venality within Roman provincial administration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's profound discourse before Felix and his wife Drusilla, where Paul "reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come" ([Acts 24:25](/acts/24-25 "Acts 24:25 - Paul's Preaching to Felix")). While Felix was "terrified" by Paul's words, his fear did not lead to repentance but rather to a convenient dismissal and a postponement of the matter. Verse 26 then reveals the true, base motivation behind Felix's subsequent actions: he did not release Paul, but held him captive, using his judicial authority as leverage for personal financial gain. This sets the stage for Paul's prolonged imprisonment under Felix, which is explicitly stated to have lasted two years in [Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Paul's Two-Year Imprisonment Under Felix"), before Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman provincial governors, like Felix, often wielded immense power and were frequently susceptible to corruption. Bribery was a common, albeit illegal, practice in the Roman judicial system, seen as a means to expedite or influence legal outcomes. Felix himself had a reputation for avarice and cruelty, as noted by ancient historians like Tacitus and Josephus. Paul, as a Roman citizen and a prominent figure within the Jewish community (even if controversially so), would have been perceived as a valuable asset for extortion. The expectation was that Paul's supporters, or even Paul himself if he had personal wealth, would pay for his freedom. Caesarea, as the Roman administrative capital of Judea, was a hub where such political and judicial machinations frequently occurred.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the broader narrative of Acts and the New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Corruption of Authority**, demonstrating how worldly power, when unchecked by moral integrity, can easily devolve into self-serving greed, obstructing justice. Felix's actions stand in stark contrast to the divine justice Paul proclaimed. Secondly, it highlights **Paul's Steadfast Integrity**, implicitly showing his refusal to compromise his principles by offering a bribe, even when it meant prolonged unjust imprisonment. This unwavering commitment to righteousness, even in adversity, is a recurring motif in Paul's life and ministry, echoing the challenges faced by early Christians who refused to compromise their faith. Lastly, it subtly reveals **God's Sovereign Hand**, as Felix's venal motives inadvertently provided Paul with repeated opportunities to share the gospel with a high-ranking Roman official, turning a personal hardship into a platform for witness, a theme Paul himself would later articulate regarding his imprisonment in [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment for the Gospel's Advance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hoped (Greek, _elpízō'_):** This verb (G1679) means "to expect or confide." While often used in a positive, spiritual sense of trusting in God's promises, here it is deployed with cynical irony. Felix's "hope" is not a virtuous expectation but a base, self-serving anticipation of financial gain. He was actively waiting for a bribe, revealing his covetousness rather than any genuine interest in Paul's innocence or the truth of his message.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb (G1325) is a primary verb meaning "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." In this context, it refers specifically to the giving of money as a bribe. Felix expected money to be "given" to him, implying a transaction that would bypass justice for personal profit. This highlights the transactional nature of his judicial process.
* **loose (Greek, _lýō'_):** This primary verb (G3089) means "to 'loosen' (literally or figuratively); break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off." Here, it directly refers to Felix's power to "loose" or release Paul from his imprisonment. The implication is that this release was contingent not on Paul's legal innocence, but on the payment of a bribe, demonstrating the perversion of justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul":** This clause reveals the primary, corrupt motivation behind Felix's actions. His "hope" was a calculated expectation of a bribe from Paul, or from Paul's supporters. This exposes the governor's avarice, showing that his interest in Paul was financial rather than judicial or spiritual. He saw Paul as an opportunity for personal enrichment.
* **"that he might loose him":** This phrase clarifies the purpose of the hoped-for bribe. Felix intended to release Paul, but only if he received money for it. This demonstrates a blatant abuse of judicial power, where justice was for sale, and a prisoner's freedom was contingent on payment, not on the merits of his case.
* **"wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him":** This final clause explains Felix's subsequent actions. Because of his hope for a bribe, he frequently summoned Paul for private conversations. The word "communed" (Greek _homiléō_) suggests informal, personal talks rather than formal hearings. These repeated interactions were not for further legal deliberation or spiritual inquiry, but to create opportunities for a bribe to be offered, revealing Felix's persistent and calculating greed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Felix, the Roman governor charged with upholding justice, is depicted as actively subverting it for personal gain. The one who should be a dispenser of law is revealed as a practitioner of lawlessness. There is also a strong **Contrast** between Paul, who steadfastly maintains his integrity despite unjust imprisonment, and Felix, who is morally compromised despite his position of power. Furthermore, the repeated summoning and "communing" can be seen as a form of **Suspense**, as the reader is left to wonder if Paul will be released or if Felix's greed will prevail, ultimately resolving in the latter in the following verse. The description of Felix's "hope" also serves as a form of **Characterization**, vividly portraying his corrupt and avaricious nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 24:26 serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sin, particularly the corrupting influence of greed on those in authority. Felix's actions illustrate how worldly power, when divorced from divine principles, inevitably leads to injustice and exploitation. This episode underscores the biblical theme that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")), and that true righteousness cannot be bought or sold. Paul's integrity in the face of such corruption also highlights the call for believers to remain steadfast and uncompromising in their faith, even when facing unjust suffering. God's sovereignty is also evident, as even Felix's sinful motives were ultimately used to provide Paul with a platform for continued witness, demonstrating that God can work through any circumstance to advance His kingdom.

Cross-references that illuminate these themes include:
* [Proverbs 15:27](/proverbs/15-27 "Proverbs 15:27 - The Troubler of His Own House")
* [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - The Corrupt Rulers of Israel")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 24:26 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine our own hearts and the systems we inhabit. Felix's blatant pursuit of a bribe serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of greed, which can blind individuals to truth, distort justice, and ultimately hinder spiritual growth. It reminds us that positions of power are not immune to moral decay and that the pursuit of personal gain can easily overshadow one's duty and integrity. For us, this means being vigilant against the subtle temptations of covetousness in our own lives, whether in business, relationships, or personal aspirations. Furthermore, Paul's unwavering stance, implicitly refusing to compromise his principles, calls us to a similar steadfastness. Even when facing injustice or adversity, we are to maintain our integrity, trusting in God's ultimate justice and timing. This passage also encourages us to see opportunities for witness in unexpected places, recognizing that God can use even the selfish motives of others to open doors for the gospel. Our response to difficult circumstances should not be despair, but a readiness to share the hope that is within us, demonstrating Christ's light in a world often shrouded in darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might the "hope" for personal gain be subtly influencing my decisions, potentially compromising my integrity or hindering justice for others?**
* **How can I, like Paul, maintain steadfast integrity and a clear Christian witness when faced with unjust circumstances or the corrupting influences of the world around me?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty, especially in situations where human sin and injustice seem to prevail?**

### FAQ
**Was Felix genuinely interested in Paul's message, or was his interest purely financial?**

Answer: While [Acts 24:25](/acts/24-25 "Acts 24:25 - Felix's Reaction to Paul's Preaching") indicates that Felix was "terrified" by Paul's reasoning on righteousness, self-control, and judgment, Acts 24:26 clarifies that his subsequent and repeated interactions with Paul were driven by a corrupt financial motive. The text explicitly states, "He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him." This reveals that any initial fear or curiosity was quickly overshadowed by his avarice. His interest was not in spiritual transformation or judicial fairness, but in exploiting Paul's situation for personal gain. He used his position to leverage a bribe, demonstrating that his primary concern was worldly profit, not divine truth or justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:26, while depicting human corruption, ultimately points to the greater narrative of Christ's triumph over sin and injustice. Felix's expectation of a bribe underscores humanity's fallen nature and its propensity to pervert justice for selfish gain, a reality that necessitated divine intervention. In stark contrast to Felix's venality, Jesus Christ offered Himself as the ultimate, unblemished sacrifice, not for a price, but out of boundless love, to "loose" humanity from the bondage of sin and death ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His redemption was freely given, purchased by His own blood, not by human gold or silver ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Not with Perishable Things")). Furthermore, Paul's unjust imprisonment and his continued witness, even under the shadow of a corrupt ruler, foreshadow the suffering of Christ and the enduring power of the gospel through persecution. Just as Jesus endured unjust trials and condemnation ([Matthew 27:11-26](/matthew/27-11-26 "Matthew 27:11-26 - Jesus Before Pilate")), Paul followed in His footsteps, demonstrating that the true King's kingdom is not of this world and cannot be bought or sold ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Ultimately, Felix's attempt to profit from Paul's captivity only served to highlight the profound freedom found in Christ, a freedom that no earthly power, bribe, or prison cell can diminish ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")).

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

Proverbs 17:23

¶ A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Isaiah 56:11

Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Exodus 23:8

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Isaiah 33:15

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;