Acts 24, Paul’s four words for Felix

Paul’s life, his work, freedom and his testimony is on the line in his Caesarea trial. After his first speaking, he is placed basically in what we call today ‘house arrest.’ He can meet with his friends and have them fellowship and needs met. And he can and does meet with the governor, Felix and his Jewess wife Drusilla. It is in these two years of house arrest that Paul shares essential words,…

22 ‘Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 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.

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.

27 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.’

What are Paul’s essential, life on the line, words ?- for Felix …

‘….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 …

Paul speaks of, his faith in Christ Jesus, righteousness, self-control and the coming judgement. Felix is afraid of all four. As a governor Roman, he can not be seen as worshipping a God other than Caesar. As a man who accepts and encourages bribes, Felix does not, is not ‘right’ or straight with his own exercise of law. As a lover of monies he is not under self-control, but under the control of money, of avarice. And he is afraid of being judged.

The judge can not, does not have the skill to discern his own life, his own eternal life.

Dear friends, see yourself today. And call unto Jesus in faith, true resurrection faith, ..,