Acts 24:22

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

This deferral came at the close of Felix's governorship over Paul's case. The phrase that way denotes the Christian faith.

Felix had a more perfect knowledge of the Jewish religion than many supposed, sufficient to recognize the motives behind the charges. He also knew more about Christianity than Paul's accusers supposed, and was not misled by their claims. Paul's clear defense made those motives still clearer, helping Felix to understand the charges of sedition and treason. Felix saw that the accusers had not proved their case and that their case was weak.

Felix knew Paul was innocent. He stands among the heathen magistrates who proclaimed Paul's innocence, while Jewish tribunals condemned Paul without proving his guilt. He would not condemn a Roman citizen unjustly or hand Paul over without a fair trial. Yet self-interest, fear of offending or displeasing the Jews, and ambition and concern for his own advancement kept him from doing full justice to Paul.

He therefore postponed further action and decision until Lysias the chief captain should come down. He said he would then learn the uttermost and full details of the matter and determine it fully. The setting is thus a trial in which Paul faced repeated accusations and delay rather than a just judgment.

After deferring the matter Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus. Festus was a far more honorable ruler with a higher sense of responsibility, who refused bribes and endeavored to administer justice. He would not sacrifice justice to gain popularity with the Jews, and in this he resembled Gallio rather than Felix, seeing with keen insight the motive behind the Jews' request to have Paul sent to Jerusalem and courteously declining to send for him.

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