Acts 24 25

Acts 24:25 kjv

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.

Acts 24:25 nkjv

Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."

Acts 24:25 niv

As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."

Acts 24:25 esv

And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you."

Acts 24:25 nlt

As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. "Go away for now," he replied. "When it is more convenient, I'll call for you again."

Acts 24 verses

Acts 24 25 Meaning

Acts 24:25 describes the Apostle Paul's preaching to the Roman governor Felix and his wife Drusilla, focusing on three core Christian doctrines: righteousness, self-control, and the impending divine judgment. Paul's message so deeply impacted Felix, who was known for his moral corruption, that he became visibly afraid. In response to his discomfort and conviction, Felix abruptly dismissed Paul, choosing to procrastinate on considering Paul's message until a "more convenient" time, though implying a reluctance to engage with such truths.

Acts 24 25 Context

Chapter 24 of Acts narrates Paul's defense before Felix, the Roman governor in Caesarea, after being falsely accused by Jewish leaders. The high priest Ananias and a lawyer named Tertullus present a distorted and inflammatory case, labeling Paul as a pestilential troublemaker. Paul, given permission to speak, systematically refutes their accusations, stating his adherence to Jewish law, his blameless conduct, and the true reason for his presence in Jerusalem: bringing alms to his people. This specific verse, Acts 24:25, follows Paul's initial defense and marks a personal interview between Paul and Felix (accompanied by his Jewish wife, Drusilla). Felix, despite having some understanding of the Way, postpones judgment, hoping to receive a bribe from Paul (v. 26). The historical context highlights Felix's notorious character—a corrupt and unjust governor known for personal greed and immorality (he had taken Drusilla from her previous husband). Paul's sermon on righteousness, self-control, and judgment was thus precisely tailored and particularly convicting for a man like Felix and his current companion.

Acts 24 25 Word analysis

• As Paul (Διαλεγομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ, Dialegomenou de autou): The Greek verb dialegomenou is a present participle, implying continuous action of "reasoning," "discussing," or "preaching." It suggests an in-depth and structured exposition, not merely a casual conversation. Paul was engaging Felix thoughtfully and systematically.
• talked about: Paul's preaching was confrontational in truth, not an academic lecture but a piercing discourse tailored to Felix's specific life and circumstances.
• righteousness (δικαιοσύνης, dikaiosynes): Refers to God's perfect standard of justice and moral rectitude, the quality of being right or just. For Felix, known for his corrupt judicial practices and exploitation, this would have directly challenged his administrative ethics. It encompassed both forensic justification (right standing before God) and ethical living (moral uprightness).
• self-control (ἐγκρατείας, egkrateias): Means temperance, mastery over one's passions and desires, particularly sensuous appetites. This was profoundly relevant for Felix, whose personal life was marked by indulgence and the scandal of marrying Drusilla (whom he had enticed away from her rightful husband). Paul's emphasis would have exposed Felix's lack of moral restraint.
• and the judgment to come (τοῦ κρίματος τοῦ μέλλοντος, tou krimatos tou mellontos): This refers to the future divine reckoning. It signifies God's inevitable appointment for all humanity to stand before Him and account for their lives. This truth instilled terror in Felix, implying accountability for his unrighteousness and lack of self-control before a supreme, uncorruptible Judge, a power far greater than Caesar.
• Felix was afraid (ἔμφοβος γενόμενος, emphobos genomenos): The Greek phrase literally means "becoming full of fear" or "struck with terror." This indicates a powerful and visceral reaction of dread, trembling at the thought of divine judgment for his actions. It was more than intellectual assent; it was an emotional and psychological impact.
• and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave.” (ἀποκρίνεται, Τὸ νῦν ἔχον, πορεύου): An abrupt and immediate dismissal. "That's enough for now" (To nyn echon) means "For the present moment, go." Felix's words reveal his desire to escape the convicting truth.
• "When I find an opportunity, I will send for you.” (καιρὸν μεταλαβὼν μεταπέμψομαί σε): Felix expresses a desire for a "more convenient time" or "opportunity" (kairon). This signals procrastination and an unwillingness to immediately confront the spiritual implications of Paul's message, delaying his repentance or commitment for future consideration, a future that often never comes.
• Righteousness, self-control, and judgment: These three themes are powerfully interconnected. God's righteousness demands a response of human self-control, and failure to meet this standard will result in divine judgment. Paul chose these points because they directly challenged Felix's immoral character and abusive authority.
• Felix's fear and dismissal: His reaction indicates conviction, but not repentance. He did not yield to the truth but sought to avoid discomfort, prioritizing his current corrupt lifestyle and authority over eternal considerations. His procrastination is a classic response to challenging spiritual truth.

Acts 24 25 Bonus section

The presence of Drusilla, a Jewess, beside Felix likely contributed to the potency of Paul's message. She, too, lived in defiance of Mosaic Law by being married to a Gentile after divorcing her first husband. Therefore, the message of self-control and judgment would have resonated with her Jewish upbringing concerning God's law. Her presence adds another layer of target audience for Paul's divine discourse. Felix's later interest in seeing Paul, not to hear about "righteousness" but because he hoped for a bribe (Acts 24:26), underscores the deeply ingrained corruption and avarice that ultimately overrode any fleeting conviction from Paul's sermon. This illustrates that conviction, if not leading to repentance, can lead to further hardening of the heart and deeper sin.

Acts 24 25 Commentary

Paul, an astute observer of human character and guided by the Holy Spirit, delivered a sermon perfectly calibrated for his audience of Felix and Drusilla. Instead of recounting his Jewish credentials or debating ceremonial law, he directly confronted their personal sins and judicial corruption by preaching on themes of righteousness, self-control, and the inescapable reality of divine judgment. For a man like Felix, who epitomized unrighteousness in his public office, lack of self-control in his private life, and certainly preferred to think himself beyond any earthly, let alone heavenly, accountability, these words were a potent, Spirit-anointed hammer. His fear was not genuine spiritual conversion, but the terror of a guilty conscience suddenly laid bare before the prospect of God's righteous wrath. He chose to stifle that conviction through immediate dismissal and delayed future consideration, demonstrating that mere fear of hell without repentance is insufficient for salvation. His seeking a bribe afterwards (Acts 24:26) further confirms his true heart remained unchanged, hardening against the light. Felix's response stands as a stark warning against procrastinating with God's truth, showing how one can be convicted but ultimately refuse the path to redemption, clinging instead to self-interest and sin.

Examples:

• A student postpones studying for a major exam until the last minute, experiencing intense anxiety but often achieving poor results.
• An individual consistently ignoring financial warnings, accumulating debt, then facing a crisis but only seeking a quick fix rather than lasting change.
• Someone with known health issues avoiding necessary lifestyle changes, choosing immediate gratification over long-term well-being, often leading to worse outcomes.