Key Verse: "And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." - Acts 24:25 KJV
Paul has been brought to Caesarea, where he now stands before Felix, the Roman governor. His accusers have made serious charges against him, but Paul calmly defends himself. He explains that his faith is not a rejection of the Scriptures. Instead, he believes “all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” Paul also declares his hope in the resurrection. But when Felix later summons Paul to speak privately about “the faith in Christ,” Paul does something remarkable.
He doesn't flatter the governor. He doesn't tell Felix what Felix wants to hear.
He speaks about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come. These are uncomfortable subjects. Righteousness confronts the way we live. Temperance, or self-control, confronts our desires and behavior. Judgment to come reminds us that every person will ultimately answer to God.
Felix trembles. For a moment, the powerful Roman governor is confronted with the reality of standing before an even greater Judge.
But then Felix says: “When I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” The tragedy is that the convenient season never comes.
Felix had been convicted, but he postponed responding. This is one of the great dangers of spiritual procrastination. It is easy to say, “I'll deal with that later.”
Later can become tomorrow. Tomorrow can become next week. Next week can become years. And eventually, the opportunity may be gone.
Felix also demonstrates another problem. He repeatedly talks with Paul, but Luke tells us that Felix was hoping Paul would offer him money for his release.
His heart was divided between spiritual conviction and personal gain.
He was interested in what Paul had to say, but he wasn't willing to surrender his life to the truth.
There is a tremendous difference between being interested in Christ and actually following Christ.
Felix heard the gospel. Felix was troubled by the gospel. But Scripture gives no indication that Felix ever surrendered to Christ.
Paul, meanwhile, remained imprisoned for two years. From Paul's perspective, this may have seemed like wasted time. But God continued to use him.
Even in confinement, Paul was still a witness.
Life Application
- Don't postpone responding to God's conviction
- Being interested in Christianity is not the same as following Christ
- Allow God's Word to confront areas of your life that need to change
- Remember that every person will ultimately answer to God
- Use opportunities to speak truth even when circumstances are difficult
Prayer
Lord, keep me from putting off what You are calling me to do. Give me a heart that responds promptly when Your Word brings conviction. Help me examine my life honestly and pursue righteousness, self-control, and faithfulness. May I never allow worldly concerns or personal gain to keep me from following Christ completely. Amen.
