Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - Acts 24:22 - 24:22
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The sense of this is, "When Felix understood and discerned how things went, he would not pass any sentence in the case at present; but put them off, saying, When I have got a more perfect knowledge of this way of Christianity, and when I have spoken with Lysias, and understand the truth concerning the tumult, I will then determine the difference between you: in the mean time the captain of the guard shall have the prisoner in custody, to gratify the Jews."
Where observe, both the equity and clemency of Felix the judge: his equity, in that he would not pronounce sentence before he had thoroughly and fully understood the matter of fact; his clemency, in suffering the apostle to be a prisoner at large, and allowing his friends and acquaintance liberty to come and visit him.
Behold the former rigour towards the apostle mercifully relaxed; he is no more confined to a close dungeon, but goes abroad with a chain and a keeper, and none of his friends are forbidden either to visit him or relieve him.
Thus God, in an unexpected hour, casts such outward comforts to his suffering saints and servants, as he sees will do them most good; yea, and can cause his and their enemies to become contributors thereunto.