Acts 24:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 24:27 marks a significant transition in the Apostle Paul's prolonged imprisonment in Caesarea. After two years of holding Paul in custody without a just cause, the Roman governor Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus. In a final act driven by political self-interest and a desire to appease the influential Jewish leaders, Felix chose to leave Paul unjustly imprisoned rather than releasing him, despite having acknowledged his innocence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a two-year period of Paul's imprisonment under Governor Felix, which began after Paul's arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent trials. The preceding chapters, particularly [Acts 23](/acts/23 "Acts 23 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin") and [Acts 24](/acts/24 "Acts 24 - Paul's Trial Before Felix"), detail Paul's transfer to Caesarea, his defense before Felix, and Felix's repeated, yet ultimately indecisive, encounters with him. Felix had held Paul, hoping for a bribe, and had numerous opportunities to release him, knowing he had committed no crime worthy of death or imprisonment. Acts 24:27 serves as a narrative bridge, setting the stage for the arrival of the new governor, Festus, and the subsequent legal proceedings that would eventually lead to Paul's appeal to Caesar and his journey to Rome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman province of Judea was a volatile region, and its governors (procurators) often faced immense pressure to maintain order and appease local populations, especially the powerful Jewish religious authorities. Felix, whose full name was Antonius Felix, was known for his corrupt and oppressive administration, which had led to significant unrest and numerous complaints against him in Rome. His desire to "shew the Jews a pleasure" was a calculated political maneuver to curry favor with the Jewish leaders before his departure, potentially hoping to mitigate any negative reports about his tenure. This act highlights the pervasive political expediency and corruption within the Roman provincial system, where justice could be easily sacrificed for personal gain or political stability.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 24:27 powerfully illustrates the tension between **Political Expediency vs. Justice**, where Felix's personal ambition and desire for favor overshadowed the pursuit of righteousness. His decision to keep Paul bound, despite his innocence, exemplifies how power can be corrupted. The verse also underscores **Paul's Enduring Imprisonment**, highlighting his steadfastness and patience through extended periods of unjust confinement. This two-year delay was not merely an impediment but, from a divine perspective, a crucial part of God's sovereign plan for Paul, allowing him to witness to Roman officials and ultimately fulfilling the Lord's promise that Paul would bear His name before Gentiles and kings, as first revealed in [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Calling to the Gentiles") and reiterated in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Encourages Paul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **two years (Greek, _dietía'_):** This word (G1333) specifically denotes "a space of two years (biennium)." Its inclusion emphasizes the significant duration of Paul's unjust detention, highlighting the protracted nature of his legal limbo under Felix. It underscores the governor's deliberate procrastination and the extended period of Paul's suffering.
* **pleasure (Greek, _cháris'_):** The term (G5485) refers to "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act... favour, gift, grace." In this context, it reveals Felix's motivation: he sought to gain favor or goodwill with the Jewish leaders, or at least avoid their further displeasure, by leaving Paul imprisoned. This was a calculated political act, not a pursuit of justice.
* **left (Greek, _kataleípō'_):** This verb (G2641) means "to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining." It signifies Felix's active decision to abandon Paul to his imprisonment, rather than releasing him. It was a deliberate choice to forsake justice for political expediency, leaving Paul in a state of legal bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room:"** This clause marks the end of Felix's governorship and the beginning of Porcius Festus's tenure as procurator of Judea. The "two years" specifies the duration of Paul's unjust imprisonment under Felix, underscoring the lengthy period of his confinement. The phrase "came into Felix' room" is an idiom signifying that Festus succeeded Felix in office.
* **"and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure,"** This part of the verse reveals Felix's primary motivation for his final action regarding Paul. "Willing" (from _thélō_) indicates a deliberate choice or subjective impulse. He desired to perform an act of "pleasure" or favor for the Jewish community, likely to appease them and perhaps mitigate any negative reports about his controversial and corrupt administration as he departed.
* **"left Paul bound."** This is the consequence of Felix's political maneuvering. Despite knowing Paul's innocence (as implied by his repeated conversations with Paul and failure to find him guilty), Felix chose to abandon Paul in prison, "bound" in legal custody. This act was a clear miscarriage of justice, prioritizing political gain over the freedom of an innocent man.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony**, as Felix's name means "happy" or "fortunate," yet his actions are anything but just or conducive to true happiness for Paul. His tenure concludes with an act of injustice, highlighting the moral bankruptcy of his rule. There is also a strong **Contrast** between the divine justice that Paul represented and the corrupt human political maneuvering displayed by Felix. Furthermore, the two-year delay and Paul's continued imprisonment serve as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Paul's appeal to Caesar and his eventual journey to Rome, which would ultimately fulfill God's prophetic plan for Paul to bear witness before kings and the Gentiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 24:27 profoundly illustrates the tension between human injustice and divine sovereignty. Felix's actions demonstrate how earthly power, when unchecked by integrity, can become an instrument of political expediency rather than true justice. Yet, even in this prolonged and unjust imprisonment, God's purposes were not thwarted. Paul's confinement allowed him opportunities to bear witness to Roman officials and ultimately paved the way for his journey to Rome, a long-held desire and a key part of God's plan for the spread of the Gospel. This verse reminds believers that even when human systems fail and justice is denied, God remains in control, working all things for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:19-20](/1_peter/2-19-20 "1 Peter 2:19-20 - Suffering for Righteousness' Sake")
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 24:27 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world where justice is often imperfect and power can be misused. Paul's two years of unjust imprisonment serve as a powerful example of perseverance in the face of adversity and delayed justice. It challenges us to consider where our ultimate hope lies—not in the fairness of human systems, but in the sovereign plan of God, who can use even the most challenging circumstances for His redemptive purposes. For those in positions of authority, the verse is a stark warning against prioritizing personal gain or political expediency over righteousness and integrity. It calls leaders to a higher standard, reminding them of their responsibility to uphold justice and serve the common good, rather than seeking self-serving "pleasure" or appeasement. Ultimately, it encourages us to trust God's timing and His ability to work through our trials, knowing that His purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when I experience injustice or delays in receiving what is fair or right?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize convenience or personal gain over integrity and truth in my own spheres of influence?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem to contradict my expectations or desires for justice?**

### FAQ
**Why did Felix keep Paul bound for two years if he knew he was innocent?**

Answer: Felix kept Paul bound for two years primarily due to political expediency and personal corruption. The text indicates he was "willing to shew the Jews a pleasure," meaning he wanted to curry favor with the Jewish leaders, or at least avoid further antagonism, before his departure from office. Additionally, [Acts 24:26](/acts/24-26 "Acts 24:26 - Felix Hopes for a Bribe") reveals that Felix also hoped Paul would offer him a bribe for his release. When no bribe materialized, and to appease the powerful Jewish community who vehemently opposed Paul, Felix chose the politically safe option of leaving Paul imprisoned rather than releasing an innocent man.

**Who was Porcius Festus, and why is his arrival significant?**

Answer: Porcius Festus was the Roman procurator (governor) who succeeded Felix in Judea. His arrival is significant because it marked a new phase in Paul's legal proceedings. With a new governor, Paul's case was reopened, leading to further trials and ultimately to Paul's appeal to Caesar, which set in motion his journey to Rome. Festus, unlike Felix, appears to have been more inclined to follow Roman legal procedures, though he too faced pressure from the Jewish leaders, as seen in [Acts 25](/acts/25 "Acts 25 - Paul Appeals to Caesar").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 24:27, with its depiction of Paul's unjust and prolonged imprisonment, powerfully foreshadows and participates in the greater narrative of Christ's own suffering and the pattern of the Suffering Servant. Just as Paul was "left bound" by a corrupt earthly authority seeking political favor, so too was Jesus "delivered over" by Pilate, who, "willing to content the people," chose to release Barabbas and condemn the innocent Son of God ([Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Pilate Delivers Jesus")). The injustice Paul experienced mirrors the ultimate injustice inflicted upon Christ, who was led "as a lamb to the slaughter" without opening His mouth ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Silent Suffering Servant")). Paul's suffering, though humanly unjust, was part of God's redemptive plan, allowing the Gospel to penetrate the highest echelons of Roman power, just as Christ's crucifixion, the epitome of injustice, became the means of salvation for all humanity. Paul's willingness to endure such trials reflects his desire to "know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings" ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), embodying the truth that through suffering, Christ's kingdom advances and His glory is revealed.

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

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.