Acts 24:26

Should have been given. Rather, “would be given.” If Paul was important enough to stir up so much opposition from the Jewish leaders, his freedom, Felix thought, must be worth a substantial bribe. Since Paul had been a bearer of gifts to the Jews of Jerusalem (v. 17), Felix may well have concluded that he had wealthy friends who would purchase his release. Perhaps Felix thought that among the friends he permitted to visit Paul (v. 23) there might be some who would do so.

That he might loose him. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the omission of these words. However, the context makes clear that this was his intent.

The oftener. Felix continued to talk with Paul both because he still felt restlessness of mind concerning “righteousness, temperance, and judgment” (v. 25) and because he hoped for a bribe — a strange combination of motives indeed He obtained neither the bribe nor peace of mind.

Communed. The Greek implies friendly discussion. The contrast between Paul and Felix is dramatic. As Saul of Tarsus, Paul had sought to please those who were advancing him to a high position in his own nation. But he turned his back on all a young Hebrew could wish for (cf. Phil. 3:8, 10), and allied himself, instead, with a hated sect and experienced the shame and suffering Christians met on every hand. Felix, hoping to advance himself by evil methods among his people, found himself treating the despised Paul with fairness and envying Paul’s bold honesty in his convictions. He must have debated in his heart taking Paul’s teachings seriously, for he seems to have enjoyed — in a sense — talking with a man so able, forthright, and conscientious as Paul.