King James Version

What Does Acts 24:25 Mean?

Acts 24:25 in the King James Version says “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance , and judgment to come , Felix trembled , and answered, Go thy way for t... — study this verse from Acts chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance , and judgment to come , Felix trembled , and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Acts 24:25 · KJV


Context

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.

25

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance , and judgment to come , Felix trembled , and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

26

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

27

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's message emphasized 'righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come' - precisely the areas where Felix and Drusilla lived in flagrant violation. Felix's trembling shows conviction of sin, but his response - 'Go thy way for this time' - exemplifies fatal procrastination. The promise to call Paul 'when I have a convenient season' represents the devil's classic strategy: acknowledge truth but postpone response.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Felix's relationship with Drusilla violated multiple laws - she was married to another man, and their union required her abandoning Judaism. Paul's message confronted their adultery directly through principles rather than personal attack.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you confront sin in powerful people through timeless principles rather than personal accusations?
  2. What's the danger of intellectual acceptance of truth combined with delayed personal response?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
διαλεγομένου1 of 27

as he reasoned

G1256

to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)

δὲ2 of 27

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῦ3 of 27
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

περὶ4 of 27

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

δικαιοσύνης5 of 27

righteousness

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

καὶ6 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγκρατείας7 of 27
G1466

self-control (especially continence)

καὶ8 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦ9 of 27
G3588

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

κρίματος10 of 27

judgment

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

τοῦ11 of 27
G3588

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

μέλλοντος12 of 27

to come

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἔσεσθαι,13 of 27
G2071

will be

ἔμφοβος14 of 27
G1719

in fear, i.e., alarmed

γενόμενος15 of 27

trembled

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

16 of 27
G3588

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

Φῆλιξ17 of 27

Felix

G5344

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

ἀπεκρίθη18 of 27

and answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

Τὸ19 of 27
G3588

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

νῦν20 of 27

for this time

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἔχον21 of 27

I have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πορεύου22 of 27

Go thy way

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καιρὸν23 of 27

a convenient season

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

δὲ24 of 27

And

G1161

but, and, etc

μεταλαβὼν25 of 27
G3335

to participate; genitive case, to accept (and use)

μετακαλέσομαί26 of 27

I will call for

G3333

to call elsewhere, i.e., summon

σε27 of 27

thee

G4571

thee


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 24:25 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 24:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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