it is evident that his discourse took an entirely practical turn, suited to the life which his two auditors were notoriously leading.
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.
And as he reasoned, [dialegomenou (G1256 ) 'discoursed')]
Of righteousness, temperance, [engkrateias ( G1466)] - 'sobriety,' 'self-control,' and ('the')
Judgment to come. He discoursed of "righteousness," with reference to the public character of Felix; of "temperance," with reference to his private immorality; and of "the judgment to come," when he should be called to an awful account for both.
Felix trembled, [emfobos ( G1719) genomenos (G1096)] - 'became afraid;' and no wonder. For he ruled, says Tacitus ('Annals,' 5: 9; 12: 54), with a mixture of cruelty, lust, and servility; and relying on the influence of his brother Pallas at court, he thought himself at liberty to commit every sort of crime with impunity. How noble the fidelity and courage which dared to treat of such topics in such a presence, and what withering power must have been in those appeals which made even a Felix to tremble!
And answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season I will call for thee. Alas for Felix! This was his golden opportunity, but-like multitudes still-he missed it. Convenient seasons in abundance he found to call for Paul, but never again to "hear him concerning the Faith in Christ," and writhe under the terrors of the wrath to come. Even in these moments of terror he had no thought of submission to the Cross or a change of life. The word discerned the thoughts and intents of his heart, but that heart even then clung to its idols; even as Herod, who "did many things, and heard John gladly," but even in his best moments was enslaved to his lusts.