Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Original Language Analysis
διαλεγομένου
as he reasoned
G1256
διαλεγομένου
as he reasoned
Strong's:
G1256
Word #:
1 of 27
to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 27
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
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 27
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
5 of 27
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρίματος
judgment
G2917
κρίματος
judgment
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
10 of 27
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλλοντος
to come
G3195
μέλλοντος
to come
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
12 of 27
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
γενόμενος
trembled
G1096
γενόμενος
trembled
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
15 of 27
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπεκρίθη
and answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
and answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
18 of 27
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Τὸ
G3588
Τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
for this time
G3568
νῦν
for this time
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
20 of 27
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἔχον
I have
G2192
ἔχον
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
21 of 27
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πορεύου
Go thy way
G4198
πορεύου
Go thy way
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
22 of 27
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
μεταλαβὼν
G3335
Cross References
John 16:8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:Acts 10:42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.2 Peter 1:6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;Galatians 5:23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.Hebrews 4:1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.1 John 3:7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.James 2:19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Historical Context
Felix's relationship with Drusilla violated multiple laws - she was married to another man, and their union required her abandoning Judaism. Paul's message confronted their adultery directly through principles rather than personal attack.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you confront sin in powerful people through timeless principles rather than personal accusations?
- What's the danger of intellectual acceptance of truth combined with delayed personal response?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's message emphasized 'righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come' - precisely the areas where Felix and Drusilla lived in flagrant violation. Felix's trembling shows conviction of sin, but his response - 'Go thy way for this time' - exemplifies fatal procrastination. The promise to call Paul 'when I have a convenient season' represents the devil's classic strategy: acknowledge truth but postpone response.