Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 24:26

"He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him." — Acts 24:26 (ASV)

He hoped also. Felix thought that by giving Paul access to his friends, and by Felix himself often meeting with Paul and showing kindness, Paul might be induced to attempt to purchase his freedom with a bribe.

That money should have been given him of Paul. That Paul would give him money to procure a release. This shows the character of Felix. He was desirous of procuring a bribe.

Paul had proved his innocence and should have been immediately released. But Felix was influenced by avarice; and he therefore detained Paul in custody, hoping that, wearied by confinement, Paul would seek his release with a bribe.

But Paul offered no bribe. He knew what was justice; and he would not, therefore, be guilty of attempting to purchase what was his due, or of gratifying a man who prostituted his high office for the purpose of gain.

The Roman governors in the provinces were commonly rapacious and avaricious, like Felix. They usually took the office for its pecuniary advantage and, consequently, often disregarded justice and made procuring money their primary objective.

He sent for him the oftener. It may seem remarkable that Felix did not fear being alarmed again, but the hope of money overcame all this.

Having once resisted Paul’s reasoning and the strivings of the Spirit of God, Felix seems to have had no further alarm or anxiety. He could hear the same man and the same truth again, unaffected.

When sinners have once grieved God’s Spirit, they often sit with unconcern under the same truth that once alarmed them and become entirely hardened and unconcerned.

And communed with him. And conversed with him.