He was hoping may be translated in this context as “he was wishing” or “he wanted.” Although Felix is pictured as hoping that Paul would give him some money, the very fact that he would call for him often and talk with him suggests that his interest was not solely in what he might get from Paul. It was not uncommon for government officials to take money either for the imprisonment or the release of prisoners, though there was a law against such activities.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .