22 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. 23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. (Acts 24:22-23 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
The sense of this is, “When Felix understood and discerned how things went, he would not pass any sentence in the case at present; but put them off, saying, When I have got a more perfect knowledge of this way of Christianity, and when I have spoken with Lysias, and understand the truth concerning the tumult, I will then determine the difference between you: in the meantime, the captain of the guard shall have the prisoner in custody to gratify the Jews.”
Where observe, both the equity and clemency of Felix the judge: his equity, in that he would not pronounce sentence before he had thoroughly and fully understood the matter of fact; his clemency, in suffering the apostle to be a prisoner at large, and allowing his friends and acquaintance liberty to come and visit him.
Behold, the former rigour towards the apostle was mercifully relaxed; he is no more confined to a close dungeon but goes abroad with a chain and a keeper, and none of his friends is forbidden either to visit him or help him.
Thus God, in an unexpected hour, casts such outward comforts to his suffering saints and servants as he sees will do them most good; yea, and can cause his and their enemies to become contributors thereunto.