Acts 24:26

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Acts 24:26 reveals the corrupt motivations of Felix, the Roman governor presiding over the apostle Paul's trial in Caesarea. After hearing Paul's powerful defense and sermon on righteousness, self-control, and judgment (Acts 24:25), Felix did not release him but kept him imprisoned, hoping for a bribe.

Context

This verse follows Paul's initial appearance before Felix and his wife Drusilla, where Paul boldly proclaimed the gospel. Despite Felix being "terrified" by Paul's words, he did not genuinely repent. Instead, his worldly desires took precedence. Paul had been under house arrest for some time, providing ample opportunity for Felix to exploit the situation. The governor understood Paul's standing and the potential for a substantial sum from Paul's supporters or from Paul himself if he possessed personal wealth.

Key Themes

  • Corruption of Authority: Felix's actions exemplify the abuse of power for personal gain. His hope for a bribe highlights a pervasive issue in ancient Roman administration and a timeless challenge for those in positions of influence.
  • Paul's Integrity: Despite being held unjustly, Paul evidently refused to offer a bribe, maintaining his commitment to righteous conduct and trust in God's plan. This contrasts sharply with Felix's character.
  • Opportunity in Adversity: Though imprisoned, Paul was not silenced. Felix's repeated summons provided Paul with numerous opportunities to "commune" or converse with the governor, effectively allowing Paul to continue his Christian witness even from captivity, a theme echoed in Philippians 1:12-14.
  • Greed's Obstacle to Justice: Felix consciously delayed justice for Paul, not because Paul was guilty, but because the governor's avarice overshadowed his duty to administer fair judgment. This unjust detention lasted for two years, as seen in Acts 24:27.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "He hoped also that money should have been given him" translates the Greek verb elpizō (ἐλπίζω), which means "to hope" or "to expect." While often used in a positive spiritual sense, here it reveals a cynical, self-serving expectation. Felix was actively anticipating a payoff. The term "communed with him" comes from homileō (ὁμιλέω), meaning "to associate with," "to converse," or "to talk with." This indicates regular, informal conversations, not just formal hearings, suggesting a personal engagement between Paul and Felix, driven by Felix's covetousness.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of greed and how it can corrupt even those in positions of power, hindering justice and spiritual growth. It also highlights the steadfastness required of believers: Paul, despite his unjust imprisonment, did not compromise his principles or resort to bribery. His situation reminds us that God can use even the selfish motives of others to create opportunities for His truth to be heard, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all circumstances. It challenges us to maintain integrity and to be ready to share the gospel whenever an opening arises, regardless of the circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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