24:25a
As Paul expounded: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as expounded refers to discussing topics and explaining one’s views on them. Other ways to translate this Greek word are:
as he was discussing (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
as he reasoned (English Standard Version)
-or-
Paul talked/explained for some time
The Greek tense on the verb probably indicates that Paul talked with Felix (and possibly Drusilla) for some time.
righteousness: This word refers to doing what is right and good in God’s sight. A righteous person has good morals and integrity. He does what God requires him to do. Other ways to translate this word are:
uprightness (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
straight ways
-or-
what God wants people to do
See how you translated this Greek word in 10:35 (“what is right”).
self-control: This word refers to a person choosing to not do something that he believed is not right to do, even though he is tempted to do it. Other ways to translate this word are:
controlling one’s desires
-or-
self-discipline
24:25b
the coming judgment: This phrase refers to a time in the future when God will judge all people for what they have done while living on the earth. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
future judgment (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the coming Day of Judgment (Good News Translation)
-or-
when God will judge all people
24:25c
Felix became frightened: Felix became afraid based on the things Paul was saying about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come. For example:
Felix was afraid (New International Version)
24:25d
You may go for now: This phrase in Greek is literally “having the now, go.” “Having the now” is an idiom that means “at the present time.” It compares the present time to another time when something happened.
Felix wanted to end the discussion at this time, and he wanted Paul to leave, implying that he would talk with Paul again later. Other ways to translate these words are:
Go/Leave, for now
-or-
Today, go ⌊back⌋ ⌊to your room⌋
-or-
That’s enough for us right now. Go.
You may go for now: The Greek clause is a polite command to go. As governor, Felix had the authority to tell people to leave. See the above examples.
This command probably implies rejection of Paul’s message at this time.
24:25e
When I find the time: This clause in Greek is literally “having found time.” It indicates that later when Felix found some spare time, he would talk to Paul again. Other ways to translate this clause are:
When I find it convenient (New International Version)
-or-
when I have an opportunity (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
when I get the chance (Good News Translation)
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