Acts 24:22-27

Summary retelling of Acts 24:22-27

               

Felix was familiar with “The Way” – which is the term for what Christianity was originally called.  He put off judgment on the case until he could speak to the military leader in Jerusalem who had originally sent Paul to Caesarea.  Paul is ordered back into custody, although his custody was not to be strict and he was allowed to have visitors.  A few days later, Felix’s wife – a Jew – came and together Felix and his wife wanted to speak with Paul.  As Paul started to talk about spiritual disciplines, Felix asked Paul to stop and go away.  Ultimately, Felix did not decide Paul’s case because he was hoping for a bribe.  In the meantime, Felix and Paul talked often.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Yet again we hear about God’s provision for Paul in the midst of his trial.  Paul is kept under arrest, but it is clear that his arrest is not to be severe.  He is likely still kept in Herod’s old palace.  He is allowed to have friends.  {Remember all the people that Paul prayed with in Caesarea before going to Jerusalem?  They can come and see Paul!}  Clearly he is not kept under tight rules, because Felix and Paul seem to talk at length frequently.  Yes, Paul is arrested.  But he is comfortably resting in God’s care during the trial.

Isn’t God amazing?  What conditions de we deserve to live in – yet how has God blessed us like God blessed Paul?

Second Thought:

Felix seems to be internally curious about Christianity – although never enough to commit to following Jesus Christ as Lord.  On one hand, this is a neat story because it shows how God gives Felix opportunity after opportunity to know Him.  On the other hand, it is ultimately a tragic story because Felix has the ability to listen to the greatest evangelist to ever live (besides Jesus) and he still cannot bring himself to believe.

What is fundamentally necessary for us to believe in God?  Why do so many people with genuine access to God and His Word still not believe in Him?

Third Thought:

Ultimately, Felix wanted a bribe.  Of course, Felix wasn’t about to get one.  If Paul’s friends bribed Felix, then the Jews could say, “We were right, you only won because of a bribe.”  Likewise, if the Jews bribe Felix to do away with Paul, then the Christians would be able to claim that they were right and the Jews had to bribe Felix to get their way.  Unfortunately for Felix – who is just interested in increasing his bank account – neither side is willing to risk losing the ultimate battle by bribing Felix.

What does this dynamic ultimately tell us about Felix?  How does Felix’s looking for a bribe really help us answer the questions for the prior thought?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 25:1-12