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“He [Felix] 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” (Acts 24:26).
We see from this verse how corrupt the Roman world was, for here was a man kept unjustly in prison, while the governor spoke frequently with him, hoping for a bribe, so that he might be set free. But Paul would not do this; he looked to the Lord and depended on Him, not on bribing a Roman official.
Also, this verse shows what was uppermost in the heart of Felix. Instead of speaking with Paul about his soul, he was hoping Paul would give him money, so that he would release him. Poor Felix! He was in the presence of one of the greatest gospel preachers of all time, yet all he could think about was money! Did he ever get saved? We do not know, but if he did, it is not recorded in the Bible. He was removed from being governor after two years, and probably given a position in another locality. We do not hear anything more about him in the Bible. It seems that “a convenient season” never came in Felix’s life.
All this is a solemn lesson for anyone who is not saved. God does not promise us multiple chances to be saved. Felix turned his back on the gospel, and even though he trembled when Paul preached, there is no record that he ever listened seriously again to the Word of God. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).
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