Acts 24:25
What does Acts 24:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:25 means
As Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix becomes terrified and dismisses him, promising to call again when convenient. The message addresses moral realities at the heart of the gospel: God’s standard, our restraint, and the final account—truths anchored in Christ, who died and rose. Felix’s fear shows conscience awakened, yet he delays instead of repenting. Many hear truth, feel its weight, and seek a more convenient time. Paul, however, is faithful to speak what his hearers need, not what flatters them. The Word unsettles before it heals.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And while he was talking about righteousness and self-control and the judging which was to come, Felix had great fear and said, Go away for the present, and when the right time comes I will send for you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he reasoning concerning righteousness, and temperance, and the judgment that is about to be, Felix, having become afraid, answered, `For the present be going, and having got time, I will call for thee;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And as he treated of justice and chastity and of the judgment to come, Felix, being terrified, answered: For this time, go thy way: but when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And as he reasoned concerning righteousness, and temperance, and the judgment about to come, Felix, being filled with fear, answered, Go for the present, and when I get an opportunity I will send for thee;
Context
This verse records the content and effect of Paul’s private witness. It follows the request to hear about faith in Christ (verse 24) and shows how the gospel engages ethics and eschatology. Felix’s reaction—fear and postponement—prepares for verse 26, which reveals a corrupt hope for a bribe behind repeated conversations. The narrative thus exposes competing motives in Felix: a troubled conscience and a grasping heart, both of which keep justice from being done.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 29:14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My justice was as a robe and a diadem.
- Acts 16:29
And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,
- 2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me: One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God,
- Proverbs 31:3
Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
- Jeremiah 38:14
Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of Jehovah: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.
- 1 Samuel 12:7
Now therefore stand still, that I may plead with you before Jehovah concerning all the righteous acts of Jehovah, which he did to you and to your fathers.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 24
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 24.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…