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.
Ver. 23. And to let him have liberty] This shows that Felix himself found that it was malice, more than matter, that moved the Jews to prosecute. And the same perhaps is hinted in the former verse, "having more perfect knowledge of that way;" that is, as some sense it, being well acquainted with their courses, and knowing it to be their common practice to accuse innocent men of mere spite. But why then did not Felix punish those malicious men, and let Paul go? why is he still a prisoner, though a free prisoner, under a keeper, or with some chain on him? Oh, it is a mercy to have judges modo velint quae possint, modo audeant quae sentiant, so they be willing to do what they may, and dare do what they judge fit to be done. (Cic. pro Milone.)