Acts 24:26
He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
Original Language Analysis
ἅμα
also
G260
ἅμα
also
Strong's:
G260
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
δοθήσεται
should have been given
G1325
δοθήσεται
should have been given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 21
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
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
9 of 21
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλου·
Paul
G3972
Παύλου·
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
11 of 21
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
12 of 21
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 21
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πυκνότερον
the oftener
G4437
πυκνότερον
the oftener
Strong's:
G4437
Word #:
17 of 21
clasped (thick), i.e., (figuratively) frequent; neuter plural (as adverb) frequently
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 21
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
μεταπεμπόμενος
he sent for
G3343
μεταπεμπόμενος
he sent for
Strong's:
G3343
Word #:
19 of 21
to send from elsewhere, i.e., (middle voice) to summon or invite
Historical Context
Roman governors commonly expected bribes from prisoners seeking favorable treatment. Felix's notorious corruption (recorded by Josephus and Tacitus) made this attempted extortion consistent with his character.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between genuine spiritual interest and self-interested manipulation?
- What does this teach about maintaining integrity rather than buying your way out of difficult circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
Felix's hope that 'money should have been given him of Paul' reveals corrupt motives behind his frequent conversations. What appeared as spiritual interest was actually attempted extortion, exploiting Paul's custody for financial gain. This demonstrates how religious curiosity without genuine faith can mask utterly self-interested motives.