King James Version
What Does Acts 24:26 Mean?
“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.”
Acts 24:26 · KJV
Context
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 CommentaryFelix's hope that 'money should have been given him of Paul' reveals corrupt motives behind his frequent conversations. What appeared as spiritual interest was actually attempted extortion, exploiting Paul's custody for financial gain. This demonstrates how religious curiosity without genuine faith can mask utterly self-interested motives.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman governors commonly expected bribes from prisoners seeking favorable treatment. Felix's notorious corruption (recorded by Josephus and Tacitus) made this attempted extortion consistent with his character.
Reflection Questions
- How do you discern between genuine spiritual interest and self-interested manipulation?
- What does this teach about maintaining integrity rather than buying your way out of difficult circumstances?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 21 wordsἅμα1 of 21
“also”
G260properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association
καὶ3 of 21
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοθήσεται7 of 21
“should have been given”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῷ8 of 21
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὑπὸ9 of 21
“of”
G5259under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Παύλου·11 of 21
“Paul”
G3972(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ὅπως12 of 21
“that”
G3704what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
αὐτῷ14 of 21
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ16 of 21
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πυκνότερον17 of 21
“the oftener”
G4437clasped (thick), i.e., (figuratively) frequent; neuter plural (as adverb) frequently
αὐτῷ18 of 21
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μεταπεμπόμενος19 of 21
“he sent for”
G3343to send from elsewhere, i.e., (middle voice) to summon or invite
αὐτῷ21 of 21
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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 24:26 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 24:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge