In this chapter, Governor Felix of Caesarea holds Paul in jail until the high priest arrives with the elders and spokesman Tertullus, a Roman orator. The hired advocate speaks flattering words to the governor and accuses Paul of causing stirring up riots and promoting a sect of Nazarenes, because Jesus was from Nazareth. He claims that Paul was defiling the Temple. 

Paul defends himself that he has only just arrived and was being purified in not defiling the place. He tells of his history of bringing tribute and his faithfulness to God. He blames his detractors for causing riots. 

Felix waits until the tribune joins him. In the meantime, he and his Jewish wife Drusilla spend some time conversing with Paul. Paul’s talk of righteousness, self-control and the coming judgment shakes him. Paul is kept in jail, but his friends are allowed to visit and sustain him. Felix keeps Paul for two years hoping for a bribe, then hands him off to his successor Porcius Festus. 

In this section, we see the different motives of each group. The religious leaders want to emphasize the foreignness of the Way to discredit it, the Romans wanted to keep the peace, and Paul wants to speak the truth. The legal system at this time gave those with wealth an advantage, they could hire impressive speakers and pay off regional officials. Paul neither flatters nor bribes, so he pays the price for his dignity. Simply being right is not enough to be free in a corrupt society. Paul isn’t complaining though, he is waiting for a larger audience and opportunity.