Keraia
Acts 24

Acts 24:27

The Verdict Postponed · Acts 24:22–27
Read Acts 24

Translations

Modern
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
Traditional
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Literal
But two years having been completed, Felix received Porcius Festus as successor, and wishing to acquire for himself favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul bound.
Latin
Biennio autem expleto, accepit successorem Felix Portium Festum. Volens autem gratiam præstare Judæis Felix, reliquit Paulum vinctum.

Original

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

Notes

Acts 24:26–27

Felix kept Paul in custody, hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. When this did not work and his term as governor ended, he left Paul in prison to please the Jewish people.

Acts 24:1–27

Tertullus presented a legal case against Paul in a Roman court on behalf of the high priest (24:1–9). Then Paul cheerfully defended himself and his faith (24:10–21). The governor paused the hearing without making a decision. He kept Paul in prison for two years (24:22–27).

Acts 24:27–25:5

Felix’s successor was Porcius Festus. Nero appointed him as governor of Judea around AD 59–62. Josephus describes Festus as a careful and honest leader. However, he could not stop the growing unrest among the Jewish people, even though he took strong action against the Assassins (a violent group also called the Sicarii; Josephus, Antiquities 20.8.10; see also Acts 21:38).

Festus refused the Jewish leaders’ request to move Paul’s trial to Jerusalem, but he still felt their pressure (25:9).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Events

People

Felix: Roman governor of Judea; heard Paul's case Festus: Roman governor of Judea; heard Paul's case; sent him to Rome Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles

Glossary

Book of the Acts of the Apostles Caesarea Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Felix, Antonius History of Israel Letter to the Ephesians Paul the Apostle Philip Procurator

Topics

Court: Corrupt Demagogism: Felix Felix: Leaves Paul in Bonds Festus: Also Called Porcius Festus, the Roman Governor of Judaea, and Successor to Governor Felix Injustice: Festus Judge: Corrupt: Felix Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Felix and Festus, Concerning Paul Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix