Bible Strands
Acts 24:27
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records the conclusion of Felix’s two-year term as Roman procurator in Caesarea. Felix departs office and leaves Paul in custody as Porcius Festus assumes command.
The words — πληρωθείσης (plērōtheisēs) translates literally as "having been completed," marking the expiration of the two-year detention. διάδοχον (diadochon) means "successor," identifying Porcius Festus as the official who receives Felix’s governing authority.
The thread — Felix’s calculation to please the Jewish leaders mirrors Herod’s similar political maneuvering in Acts 12:3. This pattern of Roman officials prioritizing Jewish approval over Paul’s case resurfaces when Festus repeats the tactic in Acts 25:9 and when Festus later outlines Felix’s unresolved proceedings to Agrippa in Acts 25:14.
Why it lands — The text states that a governor left a prisoner imprisoned to gain political favor rather than render a verdict. A reader must observe how administrative convenience and corrupt incentives can suspend justice without overt justification.
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
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Cross-references
- Acts 25:9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?”
- Acts 12:3 And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
- Acts 25:14 Since they were staying several days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king: “There is a certain man whom Felix left in prison.
- Mark 15:15 And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
- Acts 25:1 Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,
- Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
- Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
- Acts 26:32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
- Exodus 23:2 You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.
- Luke 23:24 So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met.