Acts 24:22-27

Paul Before Felix and Drusilla

Luke told Theophilus that Felix had a fairly good knowledge of "the Way," or Christianity. After all, Philip and his four daughters lived in Caesarea and Cornelius had been converted while residing in the city. Rather than ruling immediately, Felix delayed judgment until Lysias came to give his testimony. This may merely have been a delaying tactic intended to illicit a bribe from the Christians. He did direct the centurion in charge of Paul to grant him basic freedom to be with his friends and have someone attend to his needs.

When Felix returned to Caesarea with his third wife Drusilla, who was one of the three daughters of Herod Agrippa I, he called for Paul to come tell him more about "the faith in Christ." The apostle presented the case for righteous living and judgment, along with consideration of the importance of self-control in such living. He also warned of the coming judgment, in which every man will be judged based upon his works (2 Corinthians 5:10). The discussion terrified Felix and moved him to send Paul away, while saying he would call for him again at a more convenient time. It is not known if that time ever came. Historians do tell us that after Felix removal from office, Drusilla and their son, Agrippa, perished in the eruption of Vesuvius. Felix did call for Paul to come converse with him often, secretly hoping to receive a bribe to release him. After two years of waiting, Felix was relieved by Festus. Felix left Paul in bonds in an effort to earn some special favor from the Jews (Acts 24:22-27).