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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act_24:24-27
24But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you." 26At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. 27But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.
Act_24:24 "Drusilla" She was the youngest, and apparently beautiful, daughter of Herod Agrippa I and the sister of Bernice and Agrippa II. She was Felix's third wife, whom he took from the Azizus, the King of Emesa (cf. Josephus, Antiq. 20.7.2).
NASB, NRSV,
TEV, NJB "Christ Jesus"
NKJV "Christ"
Option #1 is found in MSS P74, à *, B, E, and the Old Latin, Vulgate versions. The shorter reading is found in MSS à c, A, C, and the Peshitta and Coptic versions. The UBS4 gives the longer version a "B" rating (almost certain).
One wonders if in this context "Christ" should be translated "Messiah" (MS 044 has "the Messiah").
▣ "faith" This is a crucial theological word. See Special Topics at Act_2:40; Act_3:16; and Act_6:5. Remember these theological terms in Koine Greek are based not on Greek usage, but the Septuagint. Luke knows the Septuagint well. It was the OT for the church.
Act_24:24-25 Paul preached the gospel often (cf. Act_24:26 b) to Felix and Drusilla. This was exactly what Jesus wanted him to do (cf. Act_9:15). He was convicted, but also greedy (i.e., he wanted Paul to bribe him) and put off his decision (cf. Act_24:26).
Act_24:26 Apparently Paul had some funds during this prison period. Possibly from (1) a personal inheritance or (2) help from the churches (i.e., Philippi or Thessalonica). Felix called for Paul often, not to hear him speak, but in hopes of receiving a bribe.
Act_24:27 "after two years had passed" Many believe that it was during this period that Luke gathered eyewitness information from those in Palestine for his Gospel (cf. Luk_1:1-4). This must have been a discouraging time to an aggressive man like Paul! However, he did not seek freedom by means of bribery. He knew he was in God's will.
▣ "Porcius Festus" There is some disagreement between the Roman historians, Suetonius and Tacitus, over the beginning date of his office. Felix was put on trial in a.d. 55, but it is uncertain whether he was convicted and removed then or in a.d. 59. Festus died in a.d. 62, while still in office (cf. Josephus, Antiq. 20.9.1). There is little known about him (cf. Josephus, Antiq. 20.8.9-10; Wars 2.14.1).
▣ "Felix left Paul imprisoned" It was customary to release all the prisoners at the time of the change of administrations. This verse shows the political situation in Palestine and the weakness of the Roman leaders, as well as the power of the Sanhedrin.
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