But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Paul knew Felix hungered for bribes and had time to gather money, yet chose not to offer it, detesting the corruption that pollutes civil order. When Claudius wearied of complaints against Felix's extortion and cruelty, Felix left Paul bound to appease the priests, making an innocent servant of God a sacrifice for his own wickedness.
AI summary
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
Two years Paul languished unjustly, while Felix hoped to wear down his patience until he bought his freedom. Felix left him bound not from justice but to curry favor with the Jews and shield himself from their accusations before the emperor, a calculation born of his own guilt.
AI summary