26 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. 27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. (Acts 24:26-27 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, What small success the apostle’s preaching had, it found and left Felix a bad man; covetousness and bribery were his sins before, and they are so still; He hoped that money should be given him of Paul.
That is, he expected a bribe for setting the apostle at liberty, contrary to the law both of God and man.
To this covetousness he added cruelty; for though he had nothing to charge Paul with, yet to gratify the Jews he left Paul bound; minding the pleasing of men more than the displeasing of God.
A hypocrite can become all things to all men, that he may gain by all: but behold the hand of God upon Felix! he that had so unjustly kept Paul for two years and cruelly left him bound at last to please and gratify the Jews is sent a prisoner in bonds himself to Rome to answer before Nero for his misdemeanours in the managing of his government.
A just reward for him who regards the pleasing of men more than the displeasure of God.