John Calvin Commentary Acts 24:25

"And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me." — Acts 24:25 (ASV)

And as he disputed. Felix hoped that he would take some delight in Paul’s sermon, as men who desire new things willingly feed their ears with subtle disputations. He also meant to satisfy his wife’s desire without personal trouble; now, he is forced to feel that force of the Word of God, of which he had never thought, which drives away all his delights.

Paul, though in chains, disputes about the judgment of God. Felix, who had the power to put him to death or to save his life, is afraid and trembles as if he stood before his own judge; nor does he find any other comfort but to send Paul away out of his sight.

Let us first learn from this what great force of the Spirit of God there was both in the heart and in the tongue of Paul. Because he sees that he must speak in the name of Christ, he does not behave like a subordinate; but he declares the mission that was entrusted to him with a grace, as from on high. And, having forgotten that he was in chains, he proclaims the heavenly judgment in the person of Christ.

And now, seeing Felix’s heart is so pricked by the voice of a prisoner, the majesty of the Spirit also shows itself in that which Christ extols: when the Spirit shall come he shall judge the world, etc.; and in that force of prophesying, which the same Paul sets forth elsewhere (1 Corinthians 14:24).

Also, that is fulfilled which he says in another place, that the word of God was not bound with him; which he not only stoutly maintained and affirmed to be true, but which also effectually pierced the hearts of men (even those proud of their greatness), as if it flashed like lightning from heaven.

Again, we must note that although the reprobate are stricken with the judgment of God, they are not renewed to repentance by that terror alone. Felix is indeed touched when he hears that God shall be the Judge of the world; yet he flees from God’s judgment seat (of which he is afraid) nonetheless, so that this is feigned sorrow, which does not work salvation.

Therefore, repentance requires such fear as may both engender a voluntary hatred of sin and also present a man before God, so that he may willingly allow himself to be judged by His word. And this is a sign of true spiritual progress, when the sinner seeks medicine there from where he received his wound.

Furthermore, this passage teaches that men are then examined and tested to the core when their vices, with which they are infected, are brought to light, and their consciences are recalled to the judgment to come. For when Paul disputed about righteousness and temperance, he struck a very sore point with Felix, since he was a man given to filthy pleasure, dissolute living, and devoted to iniquity.