Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

I think this section of Paul’s journey should be called “The Stall”. King Felix was a corrupt ruler. He was waiting for a bribe from Paul. Paul was a righteous servant of Jesus Christ. No bribe would be forthcoming. Principles outwaited convenience here. Paul knew that the all-knowing eye of the Lord was watching, and also many other people too. One bribe, and his witness for Christ would be thrown into shambles.

The implication here is that the king did get a bribe of some sort — he kept Paul in prison as a favor to the Jews. It is not that difficult to understand why he owed them a favor.

Paul witnessed about the righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus to King Felix, but the king chose evil over a life devoted to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords — Jesus. He sold his soul to the devil as he was taking bribes (implied) to keep an innocent man behind bars. “Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.” (‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬)

What is the value of my soul? Who determines the value of my integrity?

Lord, I commit to seek after you alone. Cleanse my heart and purify my mind so I may stand up under oppression as Paul did. He chose jail over a bribe request, and he chose your way over the ways of this world.