31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: 33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. 34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; 35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall. (Acts 23:31-35 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
The apostle was brought before Felix the Roman governor, although he was a heathen, yet he showed the apostle far more favour than his own countrymen the Jews: for, observe, 1. His affability to St. Paul, in asking him of his country.
2. His justice; he would not judge him till he had his accusers face to face, I will hear thee when thy accusers are come. If it is enough to accuse, who can be innocent? and if it is sufficient to deny, who would be found guilty? Magistrates must know the cause before they give a sentence or judgment about it; otherwise, though they pronounce the right sentence, it is not in judgment, but by accident. Magistrates must be stars, as well as ministers; they must do nothing blindfold or blindly.
Observe, 3. His great favour towards the apostle, in committing him a prisoner, not to the common gaol, but to Herod’s palace; a fair prison, if a place of confinement may be so-called. The Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, though were of Paul’s own country and religion, yet were not so kind to him as Felix the heathen governor.
Thus the chapter concludes with an account of the apostle’s wonderful deliverance from the Jews in Jerusalem, who conspired his destruction; together with the instrumental means and manner of it.
In the next chapter, we find him brought to Cesarea, tried before Felix, making a defence for himself, and so reasoning that Felix trembled.
Behold a prisoner at liberty, and his judge in bonds.