Acts 24:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰδὼς
knowledge
G1492
εἰδὼς
knowledge
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδοῦ
that way
G3598
ὁδοῦ
that way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
13 of 23
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
Ὅταν
When
G3752
Ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
15 of 23
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χιλίαρχος
the chief captain
G5506
χιλίαρχος
the chief captain
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
18 of 23
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
διαγνώσομαι
I will know the uttermost
G1231
διαγνώσομαι
I will know the uttermost
Strong's:
G1231
Word #:
20 of 23
to know thoroughly, i.e., ascertain exactly
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Felix's wife Drusilla was Jewish (verse 24), giving him insider knowledge of Jewish religious matters. His 'perfect knowledge' suggests he recognized Christianity's claims and the accusations' baselessness but chose political expediency over justice.
Questions for Reflection
- What's the danger of having accurate knowledge about Christ without personal commitment to Him?
- How do you respond when authorities understand truth but choose convenience or politics over justice?
Analysis & Commentary
Felix's response - 'having more perfect knowledge of that way' - indicates he understood Christianity better than the Jewish leaders assumed. His postponement 'when Lysias the chief captain shall come down' was technically reasonable but practically a delay tactic. Felix's knowledge without commitment exemplifies those who understand gospel truth but refuse to act on it.