Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 24:22-27

"But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter. And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him. But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 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. He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds." — Acts 24:22-27 (ASV)

The apostle reasoned concerning the nature and obligations of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come, thus showing the oppressive judge and his profligate mistress their need for repentance, forgiveness, and the grace of the gospel. Justice relates to our conduct in life, particularly in reference to others; temperance relates to the state and government of our souls, in reference to God. Anyone who does not practice these has neither the form nor the power of godliness and must be overwhelmed by the divine wrath on the day of God's appearing.

The prospect of the judgment to come is enough to make the stoutest heart tremble. Felix trembled, but that was all. Many are startled by the word of God, who are not changed by it. Many fear the consequences of sin, yet continue in the love and practice of sin. In the affairs of our souls, delays are dangerous.

Felix put off this matter to a more convenient season, but we do not find that this 'more convenient season' ever came. Behold, now is the accepted time; hear the voice of the Lord today. He was in a hurry to turn away from hearing the truth. Was any business more urgent than for him to reform his conduct, or more important than the salvation of his soul!

Sinners often startle like a man roused from his sleep by a loud noise, but they soon sink back into their usual drowsiness. Do not be deceived by occasional appearances of religion in ourselves or in others. Above all, let us not trifle with the word of God. Do we expect that as we advance in life our hearts will grow softer, or that the influence of the world will decline?

Are we not at this moment in danger of being lost forever? Now is the day of salvation; tomorrow may be too late.