Acts 24:27
New International Version
When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

New Living Translation
After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.

English Standard Version
When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Berean Standard Bible
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Berean Literal Bible
But two years having been completed, Felix received Porcius Festus as successor, and wishing to acquire for himself favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

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

New King James Version
But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

New American Standard Bible
But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.

NASB 1995
But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

NASB 1977
But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Legacy Standard Bible
But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Amplified Bible
But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded [in office] by Porcius Festus; and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Christian Standard Bible
After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus, and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.

American Standard Version
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Contemporary English Version
Two years later Porcius Festus became governor in place of Felix. But since Felix wanted to do the Jewish leaders a favor, he kept Paul in jail.

English Revised Version
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Two years passed. Then Porcius Festus took Felix's place. (Since Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.)

Good News Translation
After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor. Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jews so he left Paul in prison.

International Standard Version
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Since Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.

Majority Standard Bible
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

NET Bible
After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

New Heart English Bible
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Webster's Bible Translation
But after two years Porcius Festus came as successor to Felix: and Felix willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Weymouth New Testament
But after the lapse of fully two years Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and being desirous of gratifying the Jews, Felix left Paul still in prison.

World English Bible
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and two years having been fulfilled, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus; Felix also willing to lay a favor on the Jews, left Paul bound.

Berean Literal Bible
But two years having been completed, Felix received Porcius Festus as successor, and wishing to acquire for himself favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Young's Literal Translation
and two years having been fulfilled, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus; Felix also willing to lay a favour on the Jews, left Paul bound.

Smith's Literal Translation
And two years completed, Felix took Porcius Festus, a successor: and wishing to render a favor to the Jews, Felix left Paul bound.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But when two years were ended, Felix had for successor Portius Festus. And Felix being willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, when two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus. And since Felix wanted to show particular favor to the Jews, he left Paul behind as a prisoner.

New American Bible
Two years passed and Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Wishing to ingratiate himself with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.

New Revised Standard Version
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and since he wanted to grant the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he had completed two years, another governor succeeded him whose name was Por’ci-us Fes’tus: and Fe’lix, to do the Jews a favor, left Paul a prisoner.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when two years were completed, the next Governor had come in his place, who is called Porqius-Festus, but Felix, in order to do a favor for the Jews, left Paulus as a prisoner.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But, after two years, Felix received Portius Festus as his successor; and Felix, wishing to confer a favor on the Jews, left Paul bound.

Godbey New Testament
But two years having passed away Felix received Porcius Festus as his successor: and Felix, wishing to confer on the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

Haweis New Testament
But when two years were ended, Felix had Portius Festus appointed for his successor: and willing to curry favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in chains.

Mace New Testament
offer'd him mony in order to obtain his discharge, but two years after he was succeeded by Porcius Festus, who to oblige the Jews left Paul under confinement.

Weymouth New Testament
But after the lapse of fully two years Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and being desirous of gratifying the Jews, Felix left Paul still in prison.

Worrell New Testament
But, when two years were completed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus; and, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul bound.

Worsley New Testament
But after two years Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus; and being willing to gain favor with the Jews lest Paul confined.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Verdict Postponed
26At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him. 27After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Cross References
Acts 25:9
But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?”

Acts 25:14
Since they were staying several days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king: “There is a certain man whom Felix left in prison.

Acts 26:30-32
Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. / On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 23:35
he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.

Acts 25:1-3
Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, / where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus / to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

Acts 25:13
After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.

Acts 25:23
The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.

Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

Acts 26:24-25
At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” / But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.

Acts 28:30
Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him.

Luke 23:12
That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

Mark 15:15
And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

John 19:12-16
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ...

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.


Treasury of Scripture

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

two.

Acts 28:30
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

Porcius Festus.

Acts 25:1
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Acts 26:24,25,32
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad…

willing.

Acts 12:3
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

Acts 25:9,14
But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? …

Exodus 23:2
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

Jump to Previous
Approval Bonds Bound Chains Completed Desiring Desirous Favor Felix Festus Fulfilled Fully Gain Grant Gratifying Jews Kept Lapse Passed Paul Pleasure Prison Relieved Room Shew Show Succeeded Successor Wanted Willing Wishing
Jump to Next
Approval Bonds Bound Chains Completed Desiring Desirous Favor Felix Festus Fulfilled Fully Gain Grant Gratifying Jews Kept Lapse Passed Paul Pleasure Prison Relieved Room Shew Show Succeeded Successor Wanted Willing Wishing
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.














After two years had passed
The phrase indicates a significant passage of time, emphasizing the prolonged nature of Paul's imprisonment. In the Greek, "two years" (διετίας) suggests a complete cycle, underscoring the patience and endurance required of Paul. Historically, this period reflects the Roman practice of lengthy detentions without trial, especially for political prisoners. It serves as a reminder of the trials believers may face and the importance of steadfast faith.

Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus
Felix, the Roman governor, is replaced by Festus. The transition of power is significant in the Roman administrative context, as it often brought changes in policy and governance. Felix's rule was marked by corruption and incompetence, as noted by historical sources like Tacitus. Festus, on the other hand, is seen as more just and efficient. This change highlights God's sovereignty over political affairs and His ability to use even secular authorities to fulfill His purposes.

but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews
Felix's desire to "grant a favor" (χάριν καταθέσθαι) to the Jews reveals the political maneuvering typical of Roman governors, who often sought to maintain peace by appeasing local populations. This phrase underscores the tension between political expediency and justice. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising integrity for political gain, reminding believers to prioritize righteousness over worldly favor.

he left Paul in prison
Paul's continued imprisonment is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Gospel. The Greek term for "prison" (δέσμιος) can also mean "bound" or "captive," symbolizing both physical confinement and spiritual resilience. Paul's situation reflects the broader theme of suffering for Christ, as seen throughout the New Testament. It encourages believers to remain faithful amidst trials, trusting in God's ultimate plan and timing for deliverance.

(27) After two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room.--The English states the same fact as the Greek, but inverts the order. Literally, When a period of two years was accomplished, Felix received Porcius Festus as his successor. We can, of course, only conjecture how these years were spent. Some writers who maintain the Pauline authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews have assigned it to this period: others have supposed that the Epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon were written from Caesarea; but there is no adequate evidence in support of either hypothesis. It is better to confine ourselves to the thought of the Apostle's patient resignation, learning obedience by the things he suffered--of his intercourse with Philip, and other members of the Church of Caesarea, as comforting and refreshing to him. We may venture, perhaps, to think of St. Luke, who had come with him to Jerusalem, and who sailed with him from Caesarea, as not far off from him during his imprisonment. Attention has already been called (see Introduction to St. Luke's Gospel and to the Acts) to the probable use made by the Evangelist of these opportunities for collecting materials for his two histories.

The change of administration was caused by the complaints which the Jews brought against Felix, and which led Nero to recall him. The influence of his brother Pallas availed, however, to save him from any further punishment. His successor, Festus, who came to the province in A.D. 60, died in his second year of office. Josephus (Wars, ii. 14, ? 1) speaks of him as suppressing the outrages of the robbers who infested the country, and maintaining the tranquility of the province. Felix, with characteristic baseness, sought by his latest act to court the favour of the Jews, and left the Apostle in prison as a set-off against the many charges which were brought against him.

Willing to shew the Jews a pleasure.--Literally, to deposit a favour. The boon conferred was not to be without return. It was, so to speak, an investment in iniquity.

Verse 27. - When two years were fulfilled for after two years, A.V.; Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus for Porcius Festus came into Felix room, A.V.; desiring to gain favor with the Jews for willing to show the Jews a pleasure, A.V.; in bonds for bound, A.V.; Felix is also transposed. Was succeeded by; ἔλαβε διάδοχον. This word occurs only here in the New Testament, but is used twice in Ecclesiasticus. It is also, as above noted, the identical word used by Josephus of Festus. But in Acts 25:1 Festus's government is called an ἐπαρχία, and Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 20. 8:11) calls Festus an ἔπαρχος, instead of the more usual ἐπίτροπος. Could Josephus have seen the Acts of the Apostles? Porcius Fetus. Josephus speaks of him as sent by Nero to be the "successor" (διάδοχος) of Felix ('Ant. Jud.,' 20. 8:9; 'Bell. Jud.,' 2. 14:1). Nothing is known of him from Tacitus or other Latin historians, and he appears from Josephus's account to have held the government for a very short time, probably less than two years, when he died ('Ant. Jud.,' 20. 9:1). But the impression derived from Josephus is the same as that conveyed by St. Luke, that he was a just and upright ruler, in marked contrast with Felix his predecessor, and his successors Albinus and Gessius Florus. Desiring to gain favor χάριτι καταθέσθαι); literally, to lay up in store good will, or favor, or a boon, to be requited at some future period. A frequent phrase in the best classical authors. Felix had good reason thus to try and put the Jews under obligation to him at the close of his government. For the danger was great to the retiring governor of complaints being sent to the emperor of oppression and plunder, which were often listened to and punished. Josephus relates, in point of fact, that the chief Jews in Caesarea sent an embassy to Rome to lodge a charge against Felix before Nero; and that he only escaped punishment by the influence of his brother Pallas ('Ant. Jud.,' 20. 8:9). The scene in this chapter is a very striking one, depicted with admirable simplicity and force. The bloated slave sitting on the seat of judgment and power, representing all the worst vices of Roman degeneracy. The beads of the sinking Jewish commonwealth, blinded by bigotry and nearly mad with hatred, forgetting for the moment their abhorrence of their Roman masters, in their yet deeper detestation of the Apostle Paul. The hired advocate with his fulsome flattery, his rounded periods, and his false charges. And then the great apostle, the noble confessor, the finished Christian gentleman, the pure-minded, upright, and fearless man, pleading his own cause with consummate force and dignity, and overawing his heathen judge by the majesty of his character. It is a graphic description of s very noble scene.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[After]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

two years
Διετίας (Dietias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1333: From dietes; a space of two years.

had passed,
πληρωθείσης (plērōtheisēs)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4137: From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.

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

was succeeded by
διάδοχον (diadochon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1240: A successor. From diadechomai; a successor in office.

Porcius
Πόρκιον (Porkion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4201: Porcius, the middle (gentile) name of the procurator Festus. Of Latin origin; apparently swinish; Porcius, a Roman.

Festus.
Φῆστον (Phēston)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5347: Festus. Of Latin derivation; festal; Phestus, a Roman.

And
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

wishing
θέλων (thelōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to do the Jews a favor,
καταθέσθαι (katathesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 2698: From kata and tithemi; to place down, i.e. Deposit.

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

left
κατέλιπε (katelipe)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2641: From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining.

Paul
Παῦλον (Paulon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

in prison.
δεδεμένον (dedemenon)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1210: To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.


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NT Apostles: Acts 24:27 But when two years were fulfilled Felix (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 24:26
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