Acts2425

Acts 24:25 is a verse in the New Testament that preserves part of the defense given by the apostle Paul before the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea. It occurs within Luke’s account of Paul’s imprisonment and trial, which unfolds in Acts 24:1–27. In this verse, Paul addresses Felix and his wife Drusilla, presenting a sermon-like exhortation on essential Christian topics.

Content and wording: The verse records Paul “reason[ing] of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come.” Various translations render the middle term as temperance, self-control, or prudent conduct. The key point is that Paul links ethical living with eschatological judgment. Felix trembles at this message and responds, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” The encounter continues with Felix delaying a decision and, according to the surrounding text, hoping to receive a bribe.

Context and themes: The passage sits within a larger episode in which Paul defends his conduct and mission against charges of unrest. It highlights Luke’s portrayal of Paul emphasizing moral conduct (righteousness and self-control) alongside belief in judgment to come. The setting—Caesarea, with Felix and Drusilla present—reflects the clash between early Christian teaching and Roman political authority, as well as the personal hesitation of a ruler.

Significance: Acts 24:25 is frequently cited for illustrating Paul’s method of linking ethical exhortation with eschatological warnings, and for showing how authorities sometimes respond with hesitation or delay rather than conversion.