Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 24:26
Verse 26. He hoped also that money should have been given him] Bp. Pearce asks, "How could St. Luke know this?" To which I answer: From the report of St. Paul, with whom Felix had frequent conferences, and to whom he undoubtedly expressed this wish. We may see, here, the most unprincipled avarice, in Felix, united to injustice. Paul had proved before him his innocence of the charges brought against him by the Jews. They had retired in confusion when he had finished his defense. Had Felix been influenced by the common principles of justice, Paul had been immediately discharged; but he detained him on the hope of a ransom. He saw that Paul was a respectable character; that he had opulent friends; that he was at the head of a very numerous sect, to whom he was deservedly dear; and he took it, therefore, for granted that a considerable sum of money would be given for his enlargement. Felix was a freed man of the Emperor Claudius; consequently, had once been a slave. The stream rises not above its source: the meanness of the slave is still apparent, and it is now insufferable, being added to the authority and influence of the governor. Low-bred men should never be intrusted with the administration of public affairs.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 26. He hoped also that money would have been given him of Paul , etc.] For he observed from his own defence, that he came up to Jerusalem to bring alms and offerings; and he perceived by Tertulluss indictment, that he was at the head of a large body of men; that he was some considerable person, at least who was in great esteem among some sort of people, and whose life and liberty were valuable: and he might hope if Paul had not money of his own, yet his friends would supply him with a sufficiency to obtain his freedom; and it may be that it was with this view that he ordered that they should have free access to him and minister to him, that so he might have to give to him: that he might loose him ; from all confinement, and set him at entire liberty: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him ; but not about religious matters, but about his civil affairs; suggesting he would release him for a sum of money, which the apostle did not listen to, being unwilling to encourage such evil practices, or to make use of unlawful means to free himself.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 22-27 - The apostle reasoned concerning the nature and obligations of righteousness, temperance, and of a judgment to come; thus showing the oppressive judge and his profligate mistress, their need of repentance forgiveness, and of the grace of the gospel. Justice respects ou conduct in life, particularly in reference to others; temperance, the state and government of our souls, in reference to God. He who does no exercise himself in these, has neither the form nor the power of godliness, and must be overwhelmed with the Divine wrath in the day of God's appearing. A prospect of the judgment to come, is enough to make the stoutest heart to tremble. Felix trembled, but that was all. Man are startled by the word of God, who are not changed by it. Many fea the consequences of sin, yet continue in the love and practice of sin In the affairs of our souls, delays are dangerous. Felix put off thi matter to a more convenient season, but we do not find that the mor convenient season ever came. Behold now is the accepted time; hear the voice of the Lord to-day. He was in haste to turn from hearing the truth. Was any business more urgent than for him to reform his conduct or more important than the salvation of his soul! Sinners often star up like a man roused from his sleep by a loud noise, but soon sin again into their usual drowsiness. Be not deceived by occasiona appearances of religion in ourselves or in others. Above all, let u not trifle with the word of God. Do we expect that as we advance i life our hearts will grow softer, or that the influence of the worl will decline? Are we not at this moment in danger of being lost for ever? Now is the day of salvation; tomorrow may be too late __________________________________________________________________
Greek Textus Receptus
αμα 260 ADV δε 1161 CONJ και 2532 CONJ ελπιζων 1679 5723 V-PAP-NSM οτι 3754 CONJ χρηματα 5536 N-APN δοθησεται 1325 5701 V-FPI-3S αυτω 846 P-DSM υπο 5259 PREP του 3588 T-GSM παυλου 3972 N-GSM οπως 3704 ADV λυση 3089 5661 V-AAS-3S αυτον 846 P-ASM διο 1352 CONJ και 2532 CONJ πυκνοτερον 4437 A-ASN-C αυτον 846 P-ASM μεταπεμπομενος 3343 5740 V-PNP-NSM ωμιλει 3656 5707 V-IAI-3S αυτω 846 P-DSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
26. He hoped also (ama de kai elpizwn). A comma should be placed after thee (ver. 25), and the participle ejlpizwn, hoping, joined with answered: "Felix answered, 'Go thy way, etc.,' hoping withal that money would be given him."Communed (wmilei). See on talked, ch. xx. 11.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
24:26 {He hoped with} (hama kai elpizwn). "At the same time also hoping." Paul had mentioned the "alms" (#24:17) and that excited the avarice of Felix for "money" (cremata). Roman law demanded exile and confiscation for a civil officer who accepted bribes, but it was lax in the provinces. Felix had doubtless received them before. Josephus (_Ant_. XX. 8, 9) represents Felix as greedy for money. {The oftener} (puknoteron). Comparative adverb of puknos, old word, in N.T. only here and #Lu 5:33 which see and #1Ti 5:23. Kin to pugme (#Mr 7:3) which see from pukw, thick, dense, compact. Paul kept on not offering a bribe, but Felix continued to have hopes (present tense elpiz"n), kept on sending for him (present tense metapempomenos), and kept on communing (imperfect active hwmilei from homilew, old word as in #Ac 20:11; Lu 24:14, which see, only N.T. examples of this word). But he was doomed to disappointment. He was never terrified again.
