Acts 24:22-27
24:22 a Perhaps Felix delayed his decision hoping that Paul would bribe him (24:26 b).24:23 c It was in keeping with the proper treatment of a Roman citizen to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.
24:24 d Drusilla was the sister of Herod Agrippa II and Bernice (25:13 e); Drusilla had abandoned her former husband, Azizus the King of Emessa, and married Felix. Drusilla was Jewish, so in forsaking her original husband and marrying Felix she had disregarded God’s commands (Exod 20:14 f; Deut 5:18 g; cp. Mal 2:16 h; Mark 10:12 i). Josephus criticized her for this (Antiquities 20.7.1-2). Drusilla and her husband were confronted in their conversation with Paul by the prospect of judgment.
24:25 j Paul’s words about righteousness, self-control, and coming divine judgment frightened Felix, who was notably corrupt (24:26-27 k; see study notes on 23:24; 24:24).
Summary for Acts 24:26-27: 24:26-27 l Felix kept Paul in custody hoping for a bribe. When this failed and his own term ended, he left Paul in prison to gain favor with the Jewish people.
Summary for Acts 24:27-25:5: 24:27–25:5 m Felix’s successor was Porcius Festus, appointed by Nero to be governor of Judea about AD 59~62. Josephus describes Festus as a conscientious, honest administrator who was not able to stem the rising tide of Jewish unrest despite his strong action against the party of the Assassins (Josephus, Antiquities 20.8.10; cp. Acts 21:38 n). He resisted the Jewish leaders’ attempt to have Paul’s trial moved to Jerusalem, but he was not immune to their pressure (25:9 o).
Copyright information for
TNotes