What does Acts 24:24 mean?
Paul is under house arrest in Caesarea Maritima. The Sanhedrin charged him with a list of crimes, but he easily refuted them all (Acts 24:1–21). Governor Felix can't convict him because he's innocent, and he can't make him disappear because Paul's a Roman citizen, but he won't release him because if he does the Jewish leadership may cause problems. What he can do is periodically call Paul in to talk in hopes Paul will offer him a bribe (Acts 24:26–27).Their discussions resemble those of Herod Antipas and John the Baptist (Mark 6:20). These revolve around Jesus, righteousness, self-control, and God's judgment (Acts 24:25). Historians of that era described Felix as "tyrannical" as well as "cruel, licentious, and base." Felix's wife, Herod Agrippa I's daughter, had been married to another man when Felix stole her. The citizens of Caesarea complain about Felix so much that two years after Paul's arrest Nero orders Felix to report to Rome. Only the intervention of Felix's brother, Pallas, protects him from conviction.
Felix's desire for a bribe keeps him talking with Paul. Paul's convicting words keep the conversations short. Felix doesn't change his ways, but he and Drusilla can't be the only ones listening. Although Paul can't travel and there's no indication that he writes to any of the churches from Caesarea, he has a captive audience and friends who can visit him regularly. Philip's family and church are in Caesarea (Acts 21:8). Paul's well-being is in the charge of a centurion (Acts 24:23). Undoubtedly, his extended stay results in many people from Felix's court becoming Jesus-followers.
Acts 24:22–27 begins Paul's two-year incarceration in Caesarea Maritima. Governor Felix knows the Sanhedrin's accusations are false. Yet, politics get in the way of justice: it's more expedient to placate the Jewish leaders than set one man free. Paul stays under a relaxed form of house arrest and occasionally speaks with Felix, who would prefer a bribe to Paul's convicting discussions. Two years later, Festus replaces Felix and shows no sign of letting Paul go. Finally, Paul resorts to appealing his case to a higher court (Acts 25:10–12). He'll get to Rome one way or another.
Acts 24 covers Paul's trial before Governor Felix. The Sanhedrin claim he is a menace and a cult leader who tried to desecrate the temple. Paul explains the real conflict: he believes in the resurrection of the dead and the Sadducees don't. Felix knows the charges are spurious but doesn't want to upset Jewish leaders. He holds Paul under house arrest, hoping Paul will offer him money and make the inconvenience worth his while.
