What God Says About Quid Pro Quo. Part [13] 12/27/2025 (Evening thought)

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!

What God Says About Quid Pro Quo. Part [12] 12/26/2025 (Morning thought)

Micah 3:11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us? no evil can come upon us.

[3] Quid Pro Quo on a governor or a kingly level. This level of the practice could really jeopardize the security and stability of a nation, because when it is indulged, the king without scruples, could cut a deal with known criminals once he or his kingdom stands to benefit. In other cases, innocent persons could be detained in custody, if they simply refuse to grease the king’s hand.

This is what took place with governor Felix in the Bible who could have released or detained Paul if he chose to. At that time, the apostle was wrongly put in prison because of false charges brought against him by his countrymen on account of him preaching the truth. In our day, truth has become an endangered species and persons who speak the truth are at times made to feel the ire of kings, and governors.

In Felix’s case with Paul, the governor was deeply convicted of the truth in the matter, that Paul was innocent of crime, and thus, he knew what was the right thing to do. This is made quite clear in the Bible, because of his reactions to Paul’s testimony. The governor’s own conscience was aroused, and as the unadulterated truth came from the apostle’s lips, Felix was visibly disturbed, as could be observed by his involuntary physical reactions.

Acts 24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!