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Acts 24

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

What does Acts 24:25 mean?

Explanation

Acts 24:25 presents a moment in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul is engaging with Felix, the Roman governor of Judea.

While Paul is under arrest, he speaks to Felix about his faith in Jesus Christ and the implications of the Gospel message.

In this particular verse, Paul is reasoning or dialoguing about three subjects: righteousness, self-control (temperance), and the judgment to come.

As a result of Paul's discourse on these topics, Felix becomes frightened and sends Paul away, promising to call for him again at a more convenient time.

The deeper meaning here addresses the conviction that can result from hearing the Gospel and the human tendency to defer serious spiritual considerations.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, recounts the history of the early Christian church and the spread of the Gospel after Christ's ascension. Felix was procurator of Judea from AD 52 to 58/59.

Historically, he was known to have been a harsh ruler, and his marriage to Drusilla (mentioned earlier in Acts 24), who was Jewish, would have made him somewhat familiar with Jewish customs and perhaps more receptive to Paul's teachings.

The scene in which Paul speaks with Felix takes place during one of Paul's imprisonments, as a consequence of his missionary activities and his assertion that Jesus is the Messiah.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted to highlight several insights:

The power of the Gospel to convict human hearts of sin (righteousness) and the need for a change in lifestyle (temperance).
The reality of divine judgment, which was a critical component of Paul's preaching.
The human reaction to divine truth in the form of evasion or procrastination, as evidenced by Felix's response.

Different theological viewpoints may focus on God's justice (Felix's fear), God's patience (his willingness to wait for Felix to come to faith), or the urgency of repentance (the potential consequences of deferring one's decision to accept the Gospel).

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to have sincere discussions about spiritual matters.

Modern applications of this teaching could include:

The importance of addressing issues of morality, self-discipline, and accountability in one's life and in evangelistic efforts.
The need for urgency when confronted with spiritual truths, avoiding procrastination in responding to God’s call.
The personal responsibility of individuals to respond to the Gospel without waiting for "a more convenient time," which may never come.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 12:14 – For God shall bring every work into judgment.
2 Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
Hebrews 9:27 – And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this passage include:

"reasoned" (Greek: dialegomai), which can mean to discuss or argue in a logical and thorough manner.
"righteousness" (Greek: dikaiosyne), indicating a virtue or state of being just and upright.
"temperance" (Greek: enkrateia), meaning self-control or mastery over one's desires and actions.
"judgment" (Greek: krisis), referring to an authoritative decision, often with eternal implications.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman context of Felix, the virtue of self-control was highly esteemed by philosophers like Socrates and Plato.

In the wider religious milieu, there was a belief in the afterlife and judgment among the Greeks and Egyptians, which could be similar to the "judgment to come" Paul mentions.

However, the specific Christian understanding of judgment included both the righteousness offered through Christ and the personal responsibility of each individual before God.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to any specific scientific concepts, discussions about morality and self-control (temperance) find parallels in psychological studies on human behavior and ethics.

Modern science also explores the effects of fear responses (similar to Felix's trembling), including fight, flight, or freeze reactions when confronted with intense emotions or decisions.

Commentaries

Commentators have various perspectives on this passage.

Some emphasize the bravery of Paul in speaking truth to power and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit that leads Felix to fear.

Others suggest that Felix's reaction is emblematic of those who are interested in the Gospel but not ready to commit, highlighting the perils of indecision.

A third line of interpretation focuses on the opportunistic nature of Felix, who may have hoped for a bribe from Paul to secure his release.

Overall, commentators agree that this passage serves to illustrate the tension between worldly authority and spiritual truth.

Acts 24

Acts 24

What does Acts 24:25 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 24:25 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?