Acts 24:25 Meaning and Explanation
“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come until Felix trembles — and sends him away to await a more convenient season.
What Does Acts 24:25 Mean?
Paul aims his message with courage: righteousness before a judge known for injustice, temperance before an unbridled court, judgment to come before a man who thinks he answers to no one. He 'reasoned' — the gospel addressing the mind as well as the heart — and the word strikes home. The governor trembles on his own judgment seat while the prisoner stands at peace.
Conviction is grace knocking. Felix's fear was the truest moment of his life, and he spent it asking the truth to leave. 'Go thy way for this time' is the soul's most polite refusal, and the convenient season is a day that never dawns — 'behold, now is the day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2). Trembling is not repentance; it is the door to it, and Felix closed the door.
Acts 24:25 in the Original Language
enkrateia (ἐγκράτεια), 'temperance' -- self-control, the mastery of one's own desires and appetites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 24:25
What does Acts 24:25 mean?
Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come until Felix trembles — and sends him away to await a more convenient season.