Acts 24:22 Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, "When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case."

◄ Acts 24:22 ►

New International Version
Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.”

New Living Translation
At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.”

English Standard Version
But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.”

Berean Literal Bible
But Felix, more precisely having knowledge of the things concerning the Way, put them off, having said, "When Lysias the commander might have come down, I will examine the things as to you,"

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.”

New American Standard Bible
But Felix, having quite accurate knowledge about the Way, adjourned them, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

NASB 1995
But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

NASB 1977
But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Felix, having a more accurate knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

Amplified Bible
But Felix, having a rather accurate understanding about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

Christian Standard Bible
Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

American Standard Version
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.

Contemporary English Version
Felix knew a lot about the Lord's Way. But he brought the trial to an end and said, "I will make my decision after Lysias the commander arrives."

English Revised Version
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Felix knew the way [of Christ] rather well, so he adjourned the trial. He told them, "When the officer Lysias arrives, I'll decide your case."

Good News Translation
Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, brought the hearing to a close. "When the commander Lysias arrives," he told them, "I will decide your case."

International Standard Version
Felix was rather well informed about the Way, and so he adjourned the trial with the comment, "When Tribune Lysias arrives, I'll decide your case."

Majority Standard Bible
On hearing these things Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.”

NET Bible
Then Felix, who understood the facts concerning the Way more accurately, adjourned their hearing, saying, "When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case."

New Heart English Bible
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
At this point Felix, who was fairly well informed about the new faith, adjourned the trial, saying to the Jews, "When the Tribune Lysias comes down, I will enter carefully into the matter."

World English Bible
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And having heard these things, Felix delayed them—having known more exactly of the things concerning The Way—saying, “When Lysias the chief captain may come down, I will know fully the things concerning you”;

Berean Literal Bible
But Felix, more precisely having knowledge of the things concerning the Way, put them off, having said, "When Lysias the commander might have come down, I will examine the things as to you,"

Young's Literal Translation
And having heard these things, Felix delayed them -- having known more exactly of the things concerning the way -- saying, 'When Lysias the chief captain may come down, I will know fully the things concerning you;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And having heard these, Felix deferred them, knowing more accurately the things of the way, having said, When Lysias captain of a thousand shall come down, I will examine narrowly things concerning you.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Felix, after having ascertained much knowledge about this Way, kept them waiting, by saying, “When Lysias the tribune has arrived, I will give you a hearing.”

New American Bible
Then Felix, who was accurately informed about the Way, postponed the trial, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I shall decide your case.”

New Revised Standard Version
But Felix, who was rather well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing with the comment, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But because Fe’lix was thoroughly familiar with this teaching, he deferred them, saying, When the chief captain comes down, I will give you a hearing.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But because Felix knew this way fully, he deferred them when he said, “When the Chiliarch comes, I shall hear between you.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But Felix, having a more accurate knowledge of this way, put them off, and said: When Lysias the officer comes down, I will inquire fully into your matters.

Godbey New Testament
And Felix having learned more thoroughly the things concerning the way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chiliarch may come down, I will diagnose the things appertaining to you:

Haweis New Testament
When Felix then heard these things he put them off, (for he knew very exactly all that related to that way,) saying, When Lysias the tribune is come down, I will inquire thoroughly into the matters between you.

Mace New Testament
Then Felix adjourn'd them, saying, I shall inform myself more particularly of this sect, and when general Lysias comes, I will give you a full hearing.

Weymouth New Testament
At this point Felix, who was fairly well informed about the new faith, adjourned the trial, saying to the Jews, "When the Tribune Lysias comes down, I will enter carefully into the matter."

Worrell New Testament
But Felix put them off, knowing more accurately the things concerning the Way, saying, "When Lysias the chief captain comes down, I will determine your matters;"

Worsley New Testament
And when Felix heard these things he put them off, (for he had been more particularly informed concerning this way of religion,) and said, When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will thoroughly examine your matters.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Verdict Postponed
21unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ” 22Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” 23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 18:14-15
But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint. / But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.”

Acts 23:29
I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.

Acts 25:18-20
But when his accusers rose to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. / They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive. / Since I was at a loss as to how to investigate these matters, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges.

Acts 26:3
especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.

Acts 26:26-27
For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. / King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

Acts 28:22
But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

Luke 1:3-4
Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, / so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

John 18:38
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.

John 19:4
Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

1 Corinthians 9:20
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.

Isaiah 11:3-4
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.

Isaiah 42:1-4
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. / He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. / A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. ...

Treasury of Scripture

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.

having.

Acts 24:10,24
Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: …

Acts 26:3
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

When.

Acts 24:7
But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

Acts 18:20
When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

Acts 25:26
Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

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Accurate Accurately Acquainted Attention Business Captain Carefully Case Chief Chiliarch Commanding Decide Deferred Detailed Determine Enter Exact Fairly Faith Felix Heard Informed Jews Lysias Matter New Officer Perfect Point Proceedings Rather Trial Tribune Uttermost Way

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Acts 24

1. Paul being accused by Tertullus the orator,
10. answers for his life and doctrine.
24. He preaches Christ to the governor and his wife.
26. The governor hopes for a bribe, but in vain.
27. Felix, succeeded by Festus, leaves Paul in prison.

Berean Study Bible

Then Felix
Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, is a central figure in this passage. His full name was Antonius Felix, and he was known for his harsh rule and moral corruption. Historically, Felix was a freedman of Emperor Claudius, which was unusual for a governor, indicating his unique position and influence. His governance was marked by a mix of political acumen and brutality, reflecting the complex nature of Roman rule over Judea.

who was well informed about the Way
"The Way" refers to the early Christian movement, which was initially seen as a sect within Judaism. The term "the Way" is significant as it highlights the early Christians' self-identification as followers of Jesus' teachings, which they believed to be the true path to God. Felix's knowledge of "the Way" suggests that Christianity had already made a significant impact in the region, and he was aware of its teachings and the controversies surrounding it. This phrase indicates that Felix was not ignorant of the religious dynamics at play, which would have influenced his political decisions.

adjourned the proceedings
The act of adjourning the proceedings shows Felix's political maneuvering. By delaying the decision, Felix was likely attempting to maintain peace and order, avoiding immediate conflict with either the Jewish leaders or the burgeoning Christian community. This reflects a common Roman strategy of maintaining control through calculated delays and diplomacy, rather than immediate judgment, especially in religious matters that could incite unrest.

and said, 'When Lysias the commander comes
Lysias, the Roman tribune, had previously rescued Paul from a violent mob in Jerusalem (Acts 21:31-32). Felix's mention of Lysias indicates a reliance on Roman military authority to provide clarity or support in legal matters. This reliance underscores the Roman administrative system's dependence on military figures to maintain order and provide testimony in legal proceedings, especially in volatile regions like Judea.

I will decide your case.'
Felix's statement about deciding the case later reveals his cautious approach. It reflects the Roman legal system's complexity and the governor's role as both judge and political leader. Felix's decision to wait for Lysias suggests he was seeking additional information or corroboration before making a judgment, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation in Roman legal practices. This also illustrates the tension between Roman law and local customs, as Felix navigated the delicate balance of power and justice in a diverse and often contentious province.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22) Having more perfect knowledge of that way . . .--Better, of the way. (See Note on Acts 9:2.) The comparative implies a reference to an average standard. Felix was too well-informed to yield any answer to the declamatory statements of Tertullus. He saw that the prisoner was no common Sicarius, or leader of sedition. He knew something as to the life of the sect of Nazarenes. That knowledge may well have been acquired either at Jerusalem, which the procurator would naturally visit at the great festivals and other occasions, or at Caesarea, where, as we know, Philip the Evangelist had, some twenty-five years before, founded a Christian community, which included among its members Cornelius and other Roman soldiers, or even, we may add, in the imperial capital itself. His wife Drusilla, also, the daughter of Herod Agrippa I., may have contributed something to his knowledge.

I will know the uttermost of your matter.--Leaving the general attack on the "way" of the Nazarenes, or Christians, Felix proposes to inquire into the actual circumstances of the case brought before him. It is remarkable that this adjournment leads to an indefinite postponement. Possibly the accusers felt that they had fired their last shot in the speech of Tertullus, and, seeing that that had failed, thought that the judge had made up his mind against them, and withdrew from the prosecution. The detention of the prisoner under such circumstances was only too common an incident in the provincial administration of justice in the Roman empire, as it has since been in other corrupt or ill-governed states.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 22. - But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying for and whoa Felix heard these things having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, A.V. and T.R.; determine for know the uttermost of, A.V. Having more exact knowledge, etc. At Caesarea, Felix must have seen and heard something of Christianity. The conversion of Cornelius with his household and friends, men belonging to the dominant Roman power; the work of Philip the evangelist, residing probably for some years at Caesarea, and working among Romans as well as Jews, must have given Felix some knowledge of "the Way." He would learn something, too, both of Judaism and Christianity from Drusilla, his wife (ver. 24, note). When Lysias... shall come (see vers. 7, 8, and note). I will determine (διαγνώσομαι); see above, Acts 23:15, where the verb is in the active voice, and is rendered in the R.V. "to judge." The idea of the word is "to know with discrimination;" and this is the sense it has in medical writers, who use it very frequently; as e.g. Galen says, Πρῶτον γὰρ διαγνῶναι χρὴ τί ποτέ ἐστὶ πάθος (quoted by Hobart). Hence the "diagnosis" of an illness (Acts 23:15).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Then
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Felix,
Φῆλιξ (Phēlix)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5344: Of Latin origin; happy; Phelix, a Roman.

who was well informed
εἰδὼς (eidōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

about
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Way,
Ὁδοῦ (Hodou)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

adjourned the hearing
Ἀνεβάλετο (Anebaleto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 306: To postpone, defer, especially: I postpone the trial of. Middle voice from ana and ballo; to put off.

[and] said,
εἴπας (eipas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“When
Ὅταν (Hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

Lysias
Λυσίας (Lysias)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3079: Claudius Lysias, a Roman tribune of the soldiers in Jerusalem. Of uncertain affinity; Lysias, a Roman.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

commander
χιλίαρχος (chiliarchos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5506: A commander of a thousand men, a military tribune. From chilioi and archo; the commander of a thousand soldiers

comes,
καταβῇ (katabē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2597: To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.

I will decide
διαγνώσομαι (diagnōsomai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1231: To know accurately, examine, decide. From dia and ginosko; to know thoroughly, i.e. Ascertain exactly.

your case.”
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

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NT Apostles: Acts 24:22 But Felix having more exact knowledge concerning (Acts of the Apostles Ac)