Acts 24:26

²⁴ After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

²⁵ As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”

At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.

²⁷ After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.
KJV: He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
WEB: Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often and talked with him.
ASV: He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
DARBY: hoping at the same time that money would be given him by Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener and communed with him.
BLB: at the same time also hoping that riches will be given to him by Paul. Therefore also, sending for him often, he was talking with him.

ÅB: Han håpet også på at han skulle få penger av Paulus; derfor sendte han også oftere bud etter ham og talte med ham.
OTB: Samtidig håpet han at Paulus ville gi ham penger, så han sendte ofte bud på ham og snakket med ham.
B1930: Han håpet også på at han skulde få penger av Paulus; derfor sendte han også oftere bud efter ham og talte med ham.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

1 Timothy 6:9–10
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
Read in context
Proverbs 17:23
A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
Read in context
Amos 2:6–7
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.
Read in context
1 Samuel 12:3
Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”
Read in context
2 Peter 2:14–15
Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed.
Read in context
Proverbs 17:8
A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
Read in context
Proverbs 19:6
Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
Read in context
Proverbs 29:4
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
Read in context