After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
27. And when two years were expired. Seeing Paul knew that the judge who did gape for gain would be favorable to him so soon as he should offer him money, and seeing he had sufficient time to gather the same; it is likely that he did not only bear with the brethren, “Pepercisse fratribus,” spare the brethren.
Felix knew the Way better than those Jews gave him credit for, having lived among Christians like Cornelius; he saw they were honest men, not seditious. He put off judgment, wanting to hear from Lysias himself, an impartial witness. God often shields His people through the very indifference of their enemies, if those enemies have but some glimmer of the truth.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 24:22-27
Verse 27. But after two years. Paul was unjustly detained during all this time. The hope of Felix seems to have been to weary his patience, and induce him to purchase his freedom. Came into Felix' room. As governor. And Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure. Desirous of pleasing them, even at the expense of justice. This shows the principle on which he acted. Left Paul bound.