Bible Strands
Acts 24:25
As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul is reasoning before the Roman governor Felix, who has come with his Jewish wife Drusilla to hear about faith in Christ. Felix's reaction to the content is fear, and he dismisses Paul with a deferral.
The words — διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) carries the sense of logical, back-and-forth argumentation rather than proclamation; ἐγκρατεία (egkrateia) is a term from Greek moral philosophy for self-mastery, and Paul deploys it in Felix's own intellectual register.
The thread — The triad of righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment parallels the Spirit's work of convicting the world "concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8) and the appointed role of Christ as judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42).
Why it lands — Felix's "come back when I have time" is the default human posture toward conviction: not rejection, not acceptance, but deferral until the pressure lifts. The verse asks the reader to recognize that delay is itself a verdict.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- John 16:8 And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
- 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
- Acts 10:42 And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
- Galatians 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- 2 Peter 1:6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
- Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.
- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.
- Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
- Hebrews 3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice,