John Calvin Commentary Acts 24:10

"And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defense:" — Acts 24:10 (ASV)

And Paul. Paul's defense is not concerned with the nature of the charge; instead, he denies the crime he was accused of. This was not because he was ashamed of the gospel or afraid of the cross, but because that was not the place to make a full confession of faith.

Therefore, omitting the matter of the gospel, which his accuser had not touched upon, he answers simply to the crimes of which he was accused. But before he comes to that point, he says that he more willingly answers for himself before Felix because Felix had long been governor of Judea. This was because, perhaps, a new governor would have been greatly disturbed hearing such accusations brought against him.

He does not commend the governor's virtues, but he says that he is glad because Felix has great experience, enabling him to judge more justly. This is surely a sincere and straightforward manner of defense: to present facts against mere words. Yet Paul seems to infer incorrectly that Felix could know the time of his arrival simply because he had been governor for many years.

I answer that this is said because it is likely that Felix will deal more moderately. It is as if Paul were saying, "Because you have been acquainted with their ways for a long time, I have greater hope that they will not deceive you." For lack of experience makes judges too credulous and causes them to act too hastily.