Acts 24:27

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

But {G1161} after {G4137} two years {G1333} Porcius {G4201} Festus {G5347} came {G2983} into Felix {G5344}' room {G1240}: and {G5037} Felix {G5344}, willing {G2309} to shew {G2698} the Jews {G2453} a pleasure {G5485}, left {G2641} Paul {G3972} bound {G1210}.

After two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; but because Felix wanted to grant the Judeans a favor, he left Sha’ul still a prisoner.

After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Commentary

Acts 24:27 describes a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's prolonged imprisonment in Caesarea. After two years of holding Paul without just cause, the Roman governor Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus. Felix, seeking to maintain good relations with the influential Jewish leaders, made the politically motivated decision to leave Paul imprisoned rather than release him, despite knowing he was innocent.

Context

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and subsequently brought to Caesarea, where he stood trial before Governor Felix (see Acts 24:1-21). During this time, Felix had numerous private conversations with Paul, even hoping for a bribe for his release. However, no bribe was offered, and Felix, despite acknowledging Paul's innocence, kept him incarcerated for two years. This verse marks the end of Felix's tenure and the beginning of Festus', highlighting Felix's final act of political appeasement towards the Jewish community, which had strongly opposed Paul.

Key Themes

  • Political Expediency vs. Justice: Felix's actions starkly illustrate how personal ambition and political maneuvering can overshadow the pursuit of true justice. His desire to "shew the Jews a pleasure" (to curry favor or appease them) took precedence over releasing an innocent man, showcasing the corruptibility of power in the Roman provincial system.
  • Paul's Enduring Imprisonment: This verse underscores the prolonged nature of Paul's confinement, emphasizing his steadfastness and patience through extended periods of injustice. This two-year delay was a significant part of his journey, setting the stage for his appeal to Caesar and eventual journey to Rome.
  • Divine Providence: While human injustice is clearly at play, this period of imprisonment was also part of God's sovereign plan for Paul. It allowed him to witness to Roman officials, including governors and kings, and ultimately fulfilled the Lord's promise that Paul would bear His name before Gentiles and kings, as mentioned in Acts 9:15 and reiterated in Acts 23:11.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "came into Felix' room" is an older KJV idiom simply meaning that Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor. "Willing to shew the Jews a pleasure" clearly indicates Felix's motivation: to gain favor or avoid disfavor with the powerful Jewish leaders, especially given his own controversial administration and impending departure.

Practical Application

Acts 24:27 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Perseverance in Injustice: Paul's example encourages believers to remain steadfast when facing unfair treatment or delays in justice. Our hope is not solely in earthly systems, but in God's ultimate plan.
  • Integrity in Leadership: The verse serves as a reminder for those in positions of authority to prioritize righteousness and justice over political convenience or personal gain.
  • God's Timing and Purpose: Even when human actions seem to impede progress, God can use challenging circumstances to advance His kingdom. Paul's imprisonment ultimately led to his witness before higher Roman authorities and his eventual arrival in Rome, paving the way for the spread of the Gospel, as detailed in the final chapters of Acts.
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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 25:9

    But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

  • Acts 12:3

    And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

  • Acts 25:14

    And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

  • Mark 15:15

    ¶ And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

  • Acts 25:1

    ¶ Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

  • Galatians 1:10

    ¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

  • Acts 26:32

    Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
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