Acts 24:23

A centurion. Literally, “the centurion,” probably one of the two who had escorted Paul from Jerusalem.

To keep. Gr. tered, “attend to,” “to guard,” “to keep.” The verb does not necessarily imply close detention, but safekeeping. Felix appears well disposed toward Paul, partly because of an awakened conscience (see vs. 14-16, 24, 25) and partly because he hoped for a bribe (v. 26).

Have liberty. That is, privileges a common prisoner would not enjoy (cf. on ch. 23:16, 17). He would be under arrest but not suffering the discomforts of the common jail.

Acquaintance. Gr. idioi, “own [relatives or intimate friends]” (see on John 1:11). These would perhaps include Philip (Acts 21:8) and other Christians living in the vicinity of Caesarea, and possibly Luke, who had accompanied Paul to Jerusalem (v. 17).

To minister. Gr. hupereteo, “to subserve,” literally, “to underrow” (see on ch. 13:5). This would include the kindness of social contact, the comforts of clothing and food, and the conveyance of messages. Perhaps, also, Felix intended to make it easy for Paul to make arrangements with his friends to provide a ransom (see ch. 24:26).

Or come. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the omission of these words.