After five days, Ananias the high priest came down to Caesarea with the elders and a certain lawyer named Tertullus. They came before Felix to accuse Paul of stirring up riots among all the Jews and trying to profane the temple. Paul defended himself saying that he did not violate the law. Felix had some knowledge of the Christians and was aware that the Jewish leaders were being unreasonable. But he dared not declare Paul innocent for fear of the Jewish leaders. Instead, he kept Paul under house arrest until the commander came. Paul was treated well before trial because he was a Roman citizen.
Felix�䏭 wife was Jewish, through whom Felix had come to know the faith in Christ. He sent for Paul and listened to him. As Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid because he lived a corrupt life.
Paul was under house arrest for two years in Caesarea until Felix was recalled for mishandling racial unrest there. Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. He could have set Paul free for Paul did not commit crimes punishable by death. But wanting to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. (Acts 24)