Five days after Paul had been brought to the Roman governor Felix, the high priest with the elders and an orator, Tertullus, came. They accused Paul of being “a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes” (24:5). In his defense, Paul stated that he worshiped God according to the way his accusers called a sect. He asserted his hope in the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, and confessed his wrong in having cried out before the council that this was why he was being judged by them. He said he always tried to have a conscience without offense before God and man. How important that we try to do so too!

Felix adjourned the trial and a few days later came with his wife, who was Jewish, and heard Paul “concerning the faith in Christ.” Paul’s message of “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” made him afraid. He told Paul he would hear him again at a convenient time. He kept Paul imprisoned; however, he allowed him a measure of liberty. Friends could visit him and even provide for him—Felix was hoping to be bribed to release Paul—and he often sent for Paul and talked with him (v. 26).

The convenient time never came! God’s “accepted time” is “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). He tells us too, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 3:15). Two years later Felix was replaced; Paul remained bound.