English Standard Version
Acts 24:22
22But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case."
Acts 24:22 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
- New International Version (NIV)Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.”
- New King James Version (NKJV)But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.”
- New Living Translation (NLT)At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.”
Context of Acts 24:22
20Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'" But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case." 23Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. 24After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
Read all of Acts 24Acts 24:22 word by word
δὲ αὐτοὺς ὁ Φῆλιξ ἀκριβέστερον εἰδὼς τὰ περὶ τῆς ὁδοῦ εἴπας· ὅταν Λυσίας ὁ χιλίαρχος καταβῇ, διαγνώσομαι τὰ καθ᾽ ὑμᾶς.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
- Andδέde · thenG1161
- FelixΦῆλιξPhēlix · FelixG5344
- heardἀκούωakouō · to hearG191
- these thingsοὗτοςhoutos houtoi hautē hautai · this/he/she/itG3778
- havingεἴδωeidō · to perceive: understandG1492
- more perfectἀκριβῶςakribōs · exactlyG199
- ofπερίperi · aboutG4012
- wayὁδόςhodos · roadG3598
- deferredἀναβάλλωanaballomai · to deferG306
- themαὐτόςautos · it/s/heG846
- and saidλέγωlegō · to sayG3004
- Whenὅτανhotan · when(-ever)G3752
- LysiasΛυσίαςLusias · LysiasG3079
- the chief captainχιλίαρχοςchiliarchos · military officerG5506
- shall come downκαταβαίνωkatabainō · to come/go downG2597
- I will know the uttermostδιαγινώσκωdiaginōskō · to decideG1231
- of yourσύsu · youG4771
- matterκατάkata · according toG2596
Cross-references for Acts 24:22
- Acts 24:10And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.
- Acts 26:3especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
- Acts 18:20When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined.
- Acts 25:26But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write.
- Deuteronomy 19:18The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely,
Commentaries on Acts 24:22
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 22And when Felix heard these things - There is considerable difficulty in this verse. Translators greatly vary concerning the sense; and the MSS. themselves read variously. Mr. Wakefield's translation appears to be as proper as most: Now Felix, upon hearing these things, put them off by saying, When Lysias the captain is come down, after I have gained a more exact knowledge of this doctrine, I will inquire fully into your business. Calmet's translation is…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 22Having more perfect knowledge of that way - Our translation of this verse is very obscure, and critics are divided about the proper interpretation of the original. Many (Erasmus, Luther, Michaelis, Morus, etc.) render it, “Although he had a more perfect knowledge of the Christian doctrine than Paul‘s accusers had, yet he deferred the hearing of the cause until Lysias had come down.” They observe that he might have obtained this knowledge not only from the…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 22-27Verses 22-27 The apostle reasoned concerning the nature and obligations of righteousness, temperance, and of a judgment to come; thus showing the oppressive judge and his profligate mistress, their need of repentance, forgiveness, and of the grace of the gospel. Justice respects our conduct in life, particularly in reference to others; temperance, the state and government of our souls, in reference to God. He who does not exercise himself in these, has…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 22The governor Felix might have delayed his decision, hoping Paul would offer him a bribe (24:26).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 22-2322-23. having more perfect knowledge of that--"the" way--(See on Ac 19:23; and Ac 24:14). When Lysias ... shall come ... I will how, &c.--Felix might have dismissed the case as a tissue of unsupported charges. But if from his interest in the matter he really wished to have the presence of Lysias and others involved, a brief delay was not unworthy of him as a judge. Certainly, so far as recorded, neither Lysias nor any other parties appeared again in the…Read the comment
Topics related to Acts 24:22
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Acts 24
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries