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

ACTS 24:27KJV
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Acts 24:27 (KJV)

What does Acts 24:27 mean?

Acts 24:27 describes how, after two years of Paul being held in custody, the Roman governor Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus. Felix, wanting to do a favor for the Jewish leaders, left Paul in prison instead of releasing him. This verse shows that Paul remained imprisoned not because of guilt, but because of political motives.

The setting is Paul’s long imprisonment in Caesarea after being accused by Jewish leaders. Luke, the author, explains that Felix’s decision to leave Paul bound was not based on justice but on a desire to please the local Jewish population. The verse highlights how Roman officials sometimes prioritized their own political interests over fairness, leaving Paul’s fate unresolved as a new governor took over.

The Greek behind Acts 24:27

  • The word for "pleasure" is χάρις (charis), which often means "favor" or "kindness." Here, it points to Felix’s intention to gain goodwill with the Jews, not to act out of justice.
  • The verb καταλείπω (kataleipō, "left") shows that Felix made a deliberate choice to leave Paul in prison, rather than simply forgetting about him.
  • The word δεδεμένον (dedemenon, "bound") emphasizes that Paul was still physically restrained, underlining the ongoing injustice of his situation.

Why Acts 24:27 matters

  • Acts 24:27 clarifies that Paul’s imprisonment was prolonged for political reasons, not because of any proven wrongdoing.
  • The verse connects Paul’s story to the broader political landscape, showing how local leaders balanced Roman authority with local pressures.
  • This detail sets up the transition to Festus’s governorship, which will shape the next stage of Paul’s legal journey in the following chapters.

Where else these words appear

“years” Greek G1333 · used in 2 verses

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

“shew” Greek G2698 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
  • Acts 25:9 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?

“Felix'” Greek G5344 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
  • 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.

“Festus” Greek G5347 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • Acts 25:24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.