Paul was taken to Ceasarea by commandant Claudius Lysias. There, he stood before Ananias and the procurator/governor Felix. Both Ananias and Felix were evil men. Felix was a slave who conquered a very high position. He was married to three queens, but in particular, Drusilla. Drusilla was married to king of Emesa but left his husband to marry Felix. Josephus hints that Felix hired the assassins of the High Priest Jonathan because Jonathan kept lecturing him on how to govern better. It is interesting how Paul addresses to Felix:
10 And when the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, (...)
Paul was very respectful to Felix, but Felix even knowing that Paul had done nothing wrong kept him in prison, expecting some bribe from him.
We read:
24-26 A few days later Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul and listened to him talk about a life of believing in Jesus Christ. As Paul continued to insist on right relations with God and his people, about a life of moral discipline and the coming Judgment, Felix felt things getting a little too close for comfort and dismissed him. “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient.” At the same time he was secretly hoping that Paul would offer him a substantial bribe. These conversations were repeated frequently.
Thus, Paul didn't judge Felix as a bad man , however, he talked about how important is to have a right relation with God and this implies in a change of life. Felix stopped Paul because he was not interested in a relationship with God. That is: Paul didn't presuppose that Felix wasn't an elect of God. Despite Felix's character, Paul was good to Felix.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Acts 24: Paul was good to Felix
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