READ: Job 5, 6; Psalms 34; Acts 24
SCRIPTURE: Acts 24: 24 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.
25 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.”
26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent
for him frequently and talked with him.
OBSERVATION: Many people admire the teachings of Jesus Christ and the
simplicity of the Gospel. However, many
(including many Christians) like to hear only messages that soothe their
ears and are pleasant to their hearts. People, in general, do not like a message
that confronts them. Here, we see a Roman governor Felix, “who was well
acquainted with the Way” (Christians were first called as people belong to the
Way), met Paul with his Jewish wife to hear more about the faith in Christ
Jesus. In those days, when rulers met
philosophers and great teachers in private to clarify their doubts, they would
try to please the rulers to gain their confidence or rewards. They usually would
not say anything against the rulers, fearing dire consequences. However, Paul
was fearless to preach the Gospel and talked about the immediate need of Felix
and Drusilla—righteousness, self-control,
and the judgment to come. We do not know why Paul particularly emphasized these
three things. But the history affirms Paul’s choice of the topics was right. Notice
Felix’s response to the message: He was afraid and tried to move Paul away from
him. Paul’s talk must have touched his conscience and made him aware of the sins
he committed. With no interest to hear further and accept the message, he said,
“That’s enough.” When people hear something they don’t like, their immediate
response is, “That’s enough.” Felix was unwilling to accept the message Paul
preached to him but hoped to receive a bribe from Paul and talked with him “frequently,”
intending to obtain money (illegally). Before he finds a convenient time to
hear the Gospel from Paul in the next two years, he was removed from his office.
People who postpone
their decision to accept Christ never again find their convenient time to
confess Jesus is the Lord. Paul could have tried to please the governor and
arranged a sum of money, thinking he could preach to more people if he came out
of prison. Paul chose to be faithful to Jesus, who called him to preach the
Gospel. It gave him more opportunities to speak about the Lord in royal places.
Felix was not ready to accept the Way of Jesus and said excuses. Are we prepared
to be faithful to live for Christ and preach the Gospel? We must be prepared to
meet our God.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day - 216
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