John Calvin 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)

Hoping that money. Although Felix had thoroughly tested Paul’s integrity, so that he was ashamed to take money from the Jews for condemning him; yet because he was a covetous man and one given to corrupt practices, he would not acquit him without payment. For this reason, he often calls for Paul, so that with flattering words he might give him some hope of deliverance.

For judges who are greedy for money insinuate themselves in this way when they intend to create opportunities for bribery.

From this we gather that the fear which seized Felix when he heard Paul discuss these matters was only vain and temporary, since the hope of gain compels him to summon the one whom he had previously been forced by fear to send away.

How did Felix hope for some reward from a poor man, one who was destitute? For that ghoul would not have been content with a small prey.

I do not doubt that (just as those who have legal authority and the power to make decisions are often shrewd and perceptive) when Felix saw the Jews so earnestly petitioning for Paul to be put to death, he sensed something from a distance concerning him; namely, that he was not an ordinary person, but rather a man who was highly regarded by many.

Therefore, he did not doubt that many of Paul’s friends would willingly spend money to redeem him.