Acts 24 22

Acts 24:22 kjv

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.

Acts 24:22 nkjv

But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case."

Acts 24:22 niv

Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case."

Acts 24:22 esv

But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case."

Acts 24:22 nlt

At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, "Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case."

Acts 24 verses

Acts 24 22 Meaning

Acts 24:22 describes how Felix, the Roman governor, possessing some knowledge about Christianity, chose to delay Paul's case. His decision to postpone the judgment was contingent on the arrival of Lysias, the tribune, who had brought Paul to Caesarea. This reveals Felix's partial understanding of "the Way," his cautious approach, and an underlying desire to avoid immediate decision, likely for opportunistic reasons rather than true justice.

Acts 24 22 Context

Acts 24 describes Paul's trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea. Paul, accused by Jewish leaders led by the high priest Ananias and their orator Tertullus, faced charges of sedition against Rome, desecrating the temple, and leading a "sect of the Nazarenes." After Tertullus presented a fabricated and flattering opening, Paul presented his defense calmly and directly, refuting the accusations and affirming his faith in Christ while maintaining adherence to Jewish scripture. Felix's response in verse 22 concludes the initial hearing. He recognized that Paul's case was complex and that there was a growing movement known as "The Way," which he had some familiarity with, possibly through his Jewish wife Drusilla, or through his governorship in a region where Christianity was spreading. Rather than render an immediate decision based on the evidence presented, Felix chose to postpone, citing the need for Lysias to provide more information. This delay served his own purposes, as subsequent verses reveal he hoped for a bribe from Paul.

Acts 24 22 Word analysis

• But when Felix heard these things:
  • Felix: (Greek: Φῆλιξ, Phēlix) - Marcus Antonius Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea (c. 52–59 AD). A man of questionable character known for corruption, cruelty, and opportunism. His governorship was marked by internal unrest.
  • Heard these things: Not just a passive hearing, but an act of receiving and considering the accusations and Paul's defense. Implies a level of attention and engagement.
• having a more accurate knowledge:
  • Having: (Greek: ἔχων, echōn) - Present active participle, indicating a continuous state or possession. Felix possessed this knowledge.
  • More accurate knowledge: (Greek: ἀκριβέστερον εἰδὼς, akribesteron eidōs) - Akribesteron is the comparative form of akribēs, meaning "exact," "precise," or "strict." So, "more precise," "more exact," or "more thorough." This suggests Felix had prior, reliable information about the Christian movement beyond what was presented in court, distinguishing it from popular rumors or simple sectarian disputes. It might have come from his administrative experience, reports, or perhaps even his Jewish wife, Drusilla, who was a princess of the Herodian house and a daughter of Herod Agrippa I.
• concerning the Way,
  • The Way: (Greek: τῆς ὁδοῦ, tēs hodou) - This is a distinct and significant term for early Christianity. It wasn't just a metaphor for a path, but an actual designation, identifying the believers not merely as a sect within Judaism, but as followers of a specific new "way of life," or "a way to God" (cf. Acts 9:2, 19:9, 19:23, 22:4, 24:14). This term likely emerged from Jesus' self-declaration, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6). For Felix, "The Way" denoted a recognized, though potentially controversial, movement within his jurisdiction.
• he postponed them, saying,
  • He postponed: (Greek: ἀνεβάλετο, anebaleto) - Literally "he threw back," implying to put off, defer, or adjourn. This reveals Felix's decision to delay judgment rather than render a verdict immediately, indicating a lack of urgency or decisive will, potentially stemming from political caution, opportunism, or perhaps even a reluctance to directly oppose something he knew to be relatively harmless or even divinely protected (from what he'd heard of 'The Way').
  • Them: Refers to the proceedings or the case.
• 'When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.'
  • When Lysias the commander comes down: Felix claims he needs the tribune (Roman military commander of a thousand) Lysias, who had originally rescued Paul in Jerusalem, to provide further testimony. Lysias had already sent a detailed report to Felix (Acts 23:26-30). Requesting his presence again suggests a pretext for delay rather than genuine need. "Comes down" refers to travel from Jerusalem (higher elevation) to Caesarea (lower, on the coast).
  • I will decide your case: (Greek: διαγνώσομαι, diagnōsomai) - From diagnōskō, "to ascertain fully," "to discern," or "to decide after inquiry." This expresses Felix's intention to give a verdict eventually, implying a final, informed judgment. However, his subsequent actions (Acts 24:26-27) show this was merely a stalling tactic for personal gain.

• "But when Felix heard these things, having a more accurate knowledge concerning the Way": This phrase emphasizes that Felix was not ignorant of Christianity. His knowledge, perhaps more thorough than average Roman official's, likely included an understanding that Christians were not seditionists as accused, but a religious group. This suggests his delay wasn't due to lack of information on the core issues but other motives.
• "he postponed them, saying, 'When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.'": This group of words reveals Felix's immediate action and its stated justification. The need for Lysias to "come down" from Jerusalem to Caesarea might sound plausible for additional information (though Lysias had already submitted a report, see Acts 23:26-30). This statement acts as a thinly veiled excuse, indicative of administrative stalling or personal opportunism, avoiding a direct acquittal that might anger the influential Jewish leaders, or a conviction of an innocent man based on his conscience.

Acts 24 22 Bonus section

• Felix's background as a former slave highlights his social ascent but also his tendency towards ruthlessness and corruption, a reputation confirmed by Roman historians like Tacitus. His actions here align with his known character, valuing personal gain and political stability over true justice.
• The term "The Way" suggests Christianity was not seen merely as a set of beliefs, but as a lifestyle, a comprehensive system encompassing beliefs, practices, and community, requiring adherence and commitment. Its early adoption as a self-designation indicated its distinctive nature from within Judaism and paganism.
• The fact that Felix possessed "more accurate knowledge" but chose to postpone Paul's case is a profound commentary on the human tendency to suppress truth for personal advantage. He understood the movement well enough to know Paul was likely not a true threat to Roman order, yet he allowed himself to be swayed by external pressures and internal greed.
• Paul's prolonged imprisonment under Felix (lasting two years until Felix was succeeded by Festus, Acts 24:27) served providential purposes. It provided Paul safety from the murderous Jewish plots, allowed him to preach the Gospel to Felix, Drusilla, and their associates, and gave him opportunity to write epistles that would become part of the inspired New Testament.

Acts 24 22 Commentary

Acts 24:22 provides a critical glimpse into Felix's character and the precarious position of early Christianity within the Roman legal system. Felix's "more accurate knowledge" concerning "the Way" highlights the growing recognition of Christianity as a distinct movement. This knowledge, however, did not lead him to justice but to calculated indecision. His postponement, while outwardly appearing cautious or diligent in requiring further witness from Lysias, was fundamentally a maneuver born of political expediency and personal corruption, as revealed later (Acts 24:26). He avoided displeasing the powerful Jewish leaders by immediately acquitting Paul, while simultaneously keeping Paul imprisoned, potentially for a bribe, and thus maintaining influence. The verse underscores the divine patience with unrighteous authority figures while Paul, though innocent, continued to be a prisoner for the Gospel, allowing God's purpose to unfold through his circumstances. Felix, possessing insight into truth, failed to act upon it, becoming an example of a missed opportunity for spiritual conversion due to self-interest.