Acts 24:27
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Original Language Analysis
πληρωθείσης
having been completed
G4137
πληρωθείσης
having been completed
Pronunciation:
plērōtheisēs
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
3 of 21
to fill, complete
καταθέσθαι
to gain
G2698
καταθέσθαι
to gain
Pronunciation:
katathesthai
Strong's:
G2698
Word #:
13 of 21
to lay down, deposit
Cross References
Acts 25:9But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?Acts 25:14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:Acts 25:1Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.Acts 12:3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)Mark 15:15And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.Acts 26:32Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Historical Context
Felix was recalled to Rome in AD 60 after Jewish complaints about his corrupt administration. Leaving Paul imprisoned curried favor with Jewish leaders whom Felix needed to testify favorably about his governorship.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you trust God's sovereignty when justice is sacrificed for political convenience?
- What does this teach about God's ability to use even corrupt officials' unjust actions to accomplish His purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
Felix's replacement by Porcius Festus after 'two years' ended Paul's Caesarean custody's first phase. Felix's final act - leaving Paul bound 'willing to shew the Jews a pleasure' - epitomized political expediency over justice. This injustice, though frustrating, served God's purpose by keeping Paul in Caesarea where he would appeal to Caesar, ultimately reaching Rome as prophesied.