Acts 24:22
What does Acts 24:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:22 means
Felix, already informed to some degree about the Way, postpones the decision. He says he will decide when Lysias the chief captain arrives. This delay may appear prudent, but it also avoids taking a stand. Knowing something of the movement should have helped him see the theological nature of the dispute. By deferring, he keeps peace with the accusers and maintains control. The case lingers in limbo, revealing how justice can be stalled by politics. Paul must wait, yet the pause will open doors for further witness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Felix, who had a more detailed knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, When Lysias, the chief captain, comes down, I will give attention to your business.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And 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;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Felix, knowing accurately the things concerning the way, adjourned them, saying, When Lysias the chiliarch is come down I will determine your affair;
Context
With Paul’s defense complete, the narrative turns to the governor’s response. Verse 22 shows Felix declining to render immediate judgment and citing the need for Lysias. Verse 23 will describe Paul’s relatively lenient custody. The following verses (24–26) reveal Felix’s curiosity about the faith and his corrupt hope for a bribe. Finally, verse 27 closes the chapter with a two-year delay and a change in governors, leaving Paul still imprisoned for political favor.
v.21except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day.
v.22This passage
v.23And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 24:6
who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold:
- Acts 18:20
And when they asked him to abide a longer time, he consented not;
- Deuteronomy 19:18
and the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and have testified falsely against his brother;
- Acts 24:10
And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence:
- Acts 24:14
But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
- Acts 24:24
But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
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