Devine Scripture

Acts 24:27

What does Acts 24:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 24:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 24:27 means

Two years pass, and Porcius Festus succeeds Felix. Wanting to please the Jews, Felix leaves Paul in bonds. Political calculation, not justice, keeps an innocent man confined. Yet God’s purpose is not thwarted. The delay will position Paul for further testimony before rulers and, in time, for appeal to Caesar. In the meantime, the chapter underscores the cost of faithfulness: Paul remains steadfast though forgotten by men. Earthly courts may stall and curry favor, but the Lord oversees the times and uses even prolonged confinement to advance His mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But after two years Porcius Festus took the place of Felix, who, desiring to have the approval of the Jews, kept Paul in chains.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when two years were completed, Felix was relieved by Porcius Festus as his successor; and Felix, desirous to oblige the Jews, to acquire their favour, left Paul bound.

Context

The chapter concludes with time passing and power changing hands. After numerous deferred hearings and private conversations, nothing is resolved. Felix departs, leaving Paul imprisoned to gain favor with the Jews. This sets the stage for Acts 25, where Festus will take up the case and the drama will escalate toward Rome. The closing note highlights the injustice Paul endures and the political motives behind it, while preparing the reader for God’s continued guidance of Paul’s witness.

v.26He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

v.27This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 28:30

    And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him,

  • Exodus 23:2

    Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to turn aside after a multitude to wrest justice:

  • Acts 25:1

    Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Cæsarea.

  • Acts 23:35

    I will hear thee fully, said he, when thine accusers also are come: and he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s palace.

  • Acts 26:32

    And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cæsar.

  • Proverbs 29:25

    The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.

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