Acts 24: Felix’s Desire
Acts 24: 24-26 After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control and the judgement to come, Felix became afraid and replied, “Leave for now, but when I find time I’ll call for you.: At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.
The Jewish leaders had accused Paul of being an agitator among the Jews and a ringleader of the Sect of the Nazarenes. Paul had given his defense, but Felix adjourned the hearing saying that he was waiting for Claudius Lysias, a Roman commander, to come. Felix became afraid at what Paul was saying so adjourned the hearing.
He called Paul often, wanting to converse with him. Paul was telling him about Jesus, about salvation, showing him the way of eternal life. However, what Felix wanted was a bribe.
Imagine the picture: Paul a prisoner, with very limited financial means, speaking before a governor, who was wearing the robes of his office. Paul was willing to speak about Jesus to anyone, and was gladly telling the governor how to come to faith. But the governor was waiting for a bribe–more interested in a little extra cash than in the eternal salvation of his soul.
Felix, how could you be so stupid?
But wait –what kind of choices am I going to make today? Am I going to spend time with Jesus, reading his word and worshipping him, or am I going to fill all my time with work, games and hobbies? Am I concerned about others who do not know Jesus yet, or am I ignoring the reality of hell? Do my choices honor Jesus or am I just going about my day to please myself?
Prayer: Lord, help me make proper choices today — choices that bring You glory and honor. Amen.
CC: K Carswell 2022
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
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