Acts 24:25 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.
But then, the quid pro quo demon began to haunt his mind, and as time went by it occurred to Felix’s that he could benefit financially by releasing Paul. Now, to be clear, releasing the apostle, in this case, was absolutely the right thing to do, but for Felix to seek financial benefit from doing so will be nothing short of quid pro quo. … Acts 24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul that he might free him, wherefore, he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
And as the devil dangled financial gains before the mind of Felix, the decision came down to one of two choices, either he would do the right thing and free Paul without personal benefit or else he would keep him in prison until Paul would pay to play. The regrettable record is there before us, because Felix decided that if Paul would not cooperate in the scheme, the governor would bend justice to suit his own desire.
And the result is that Paul was left in his jail cell, because the Christian should never become involved in quid pro quo, even if it is to save his own skin. In other words, if Paul is not going to play to play, Felix is not going to release him, for whatsoever the facts might be in the case, if the governor is not going to benefit from the deal, no release would be issued to Paul, period. It doesn’t really matter whether he is guilty or innocent, that’s entirely beside the point.
Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!