Acts 24:22–27

 Acts 24:22–27

As long as there is breath in a man’s longs there is still hope. Felix was a bad man, a bad man in the extreme, but we see a picture or a glimmer of hope. Maybe he has not gone beyond the point of no return, at least not yet. Felix had stolen Drusilla away from her former husband Azizus the king Emasa with the help of a magician. Felix and his wife Priscilla listen to Paul talk. Priscilla was Jewish and would’ve had a smattering of context about the law and Messiah. Felix is described as having a more “exact” knowledge of the way. The language here indicates a high level of information. He didn’t operate on hearsay or rumor but knew correctly some of the facts about Christianity. 

Paul stands before them the battered spiritual warrior of thousands of spiritual battles. He dialogs with them not in a trial but in a conversation about faith in Christ and he address three themes: righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come. Felix became afraid as Paul talked about God‘s standards as it relates to the mastery of passions in the context of judgment to come. The word here indicates an intense fear from the core of one’s being. Felix, afraid, is teetering in the balance. He has enough conscience and conviction to still have some fear of God. He doesn’t reject the message of faith in Christ and move on, he thinks about it. He was a mixed bag wanting a bribe but listening to the faithful witness teach. At about this same time he made a decision in a conflict between the Greeks and the Jews in Caesarea that was illegal. As a result of that decision he was recalled to Rome before his heart was changed. 

The powers of darkness will call a person wavering in their heart into sin in order to tip the scales into darkness. We must never assume that any breathing person is beyond repentance.  Only God knows when a person is beyond hope. Only God knows who might hear and be saved. The possibility is that anyone still breathing, even the most corrupt of pagan rulers, still has a connection that might draw them to grace, even a man like Felix.

“Lord, help me never give up on anyone. AMEN”

Acts 24:1-21

 Acts 24:1-21 

In this trial we see a contrast between the convoluted and exaggerated falsehoods of Paul’s accusers and the simple truth of Paul’s defense. Tertellus the lawyer begins with a series of flatteries toward the governor. To hear Tertellus speak one would think that Felix was a kind, benevolent, and well-loved ruler. He was in fact a corrupt, violent, petty man. Having risen from slave to governor by the Emperor‘s favor he had the power and vanity of office but the grasping and reaching heart of an urchin. He used local conflicts as an excuse to murder groups of people and take their property. He may have arranged the murder of Jonathan the high priest. He was even called a tyrant by the Romans. Before long he would be removed from office for his misconduct. This wicked and corrupt man is praised and flattered by Tertellus. Tertellus makes the charge of Paul being a ringleader of the Nazarenes.  This was not another name for the church.  This was a different group entirely and was viewed with suspicion by the Roman government for revolutionary tendencies. Tertellus is attempting to convolute the church and the Nazarenes, confuse Felix and then exploit that confusion. Finally he portrays what happened in the temple court as a lawful arrest. It was in fact a mob attempting to lunch someone. With lies and half truths Tertellus concludes with vague accusations.

In contrast Paul states the facts clearly and suggests that his accusers have not addressed the specifics of the case. Felix is unwilling to rule in favor of Paul likely because of his precarious situation politically. He is also eager to gain a bribe from Paul, possibly having heard of donations for the poor.  Perhaps he was hoping for a slice of that pie.

As disciples we can expect false accusations along with persecution. We should not expect those in authority will be committed to the truth. Often leaders have their positions because they have curried favor with the very ones who will bring the accusations. It is fruitless and hopeless, in many cases, to expect justice from people motivated by ulterior motives. We must state the truth of the gospel, our loyalty to it, and our conduct in it simply, clearly, and directly. We should also hold any hope or wish of justice on earth with open hands.

“Lord, help me to trust You as the source of all justice, and remember that all men have a tendency to seek their own will above Yours. AMEN”