He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

ACTS 24:26KJV
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Acts 24:26 (KJV)

What does Acts 24:26 mean?

Acts 24:26 describes how Felix, the Roman governor, was hoping that Paul would offer him money as a bribe so that Felix would release him from prison. Because of this hope, Felix often sent for Paul and talked with him, likely looking for an opportunity to receive such a payment.

In this scene, Felix is interacting with Paul, who has been imprisoned on charges brought by Jewish leaders. The verse shows that Felix's motives were not just about justice or curiosity about Paul's message, but also about personal gain. Felix’s repeated meetings with Paul were driven by the expectation of a bribe, highlighting the corruption and self-interest present in the Roman administration at that time.

The Greek behind Acts 24:26

  • "money" (χρῆμα, chrēma): This word refers to wealth or money, and its use here makes clear that Felix was motivated by the hope of a financial bribe, not by a desire for justice.
  • "loose" (λύω, lyō): This verb means to release or set free. Felix was considering freeing Paul, but only if he received payment.
  • "oftener" (πυκνότερον, pyknoteron): This word means "more often" or "frequently." It shows that Felix repeatedly called Paul, not out of genuine interest, but because he was hoping for a bribe.

Why Acts 24:26 matters

  • Acts 24:26 clarifies that Felix’s interest in Paul was not sincere curiosity about Paul's teachings, but rather a hope for personal financial gain.
  • The verse highlights the corruption and injustice that Paul faced, giving context to his prolonged imprisonment despite the lack of evidence against him.
  • This detail connects to the broader narrative in Acts, showing the challenges and obstacles early Christians encountered from both religious and political authorities.

Where else these words appear

“oftener” Greek G4437 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 5:33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
  • 1 Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

“with” Greek G3656 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
  • Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
  • Acts 20:11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

“money” Greek G5536 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
  • Luke 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
  • Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

“for” Greek G3343 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
  • Acts 10:29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
  • Acts 24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.