King James Version

What Does Acts 24:22 Mean?

Acts 24:22 in the King James Version says “And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias th...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.”

Acts 24:22 · KJV

Context

20

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

24

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

Read Acts 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Felix's response - 'having more perfect knowledge of that way' - indicates he understood Christianity better than the Jewish leaders assumed. His postponement 'when Lysias the chief captain shall come down' was technically reasonable but practically a delay tactic. Felix's knowledge without commitment exemplifies those who understand gospel truth but refuse to act on it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Felix's wife Drusilla was Jewish (verse 24), giving him insider knowledge of Jewish religious matters. His 'perfect knowledge' suggests he recognized Christianity's claims and the accusations' baselessness but chose political expediency over justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the danger of having accurate knowledge about Christ without personal commitment to Him?
  2. How do you respond when authorities understand truth but choose convenience or politics over justice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ἀκούσας1 of 23

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῦτα3 of 23

“these things”

G5023

these things

ὁ4 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φῆλιξ5 of 23

“when Felix”

G5344

happy; phelix (i.e., felix), a roman

Ἀνεβάλετο6 of 23

“he deferred”

G306

to put off (for oneself)

αὐτοὺς7 of 23

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀκριβέστερον8 of 23
G199

exactly

εἰδὼς9 of 23

“knowledge”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὰ10 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περὶ11 of 23

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τῆς12 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδοῦ13 of 23

“that way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

εἴπων,14 of 23

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ὅταν15 of 23

“When”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

Λυσίας16 of 23

“Lysias”

G3079

lysias, a roman

ὁ17 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χιλίαρχος18 of 23

“the chief captain”

G5506

the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel

καταβῇ19 of 23

“shall come down”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

διαγνώσομαι20 of 23

“I will know the uttermost”

G1231

to know thoroughly, i.e., ascertain exactly

τὰ21 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθ'22 of 23

“matter”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὑμᾶς·23 of 23

“of your”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 24:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 24:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 26:3Acts 18:20Acts 25:26Acts 24:6Acts 24:14Acts 24:10

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