Bible Reading: Acts 24
Acts 24:24-25 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 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.
Felix was a corrupt, self-seeking Roman. His wife Drusilla had left a former husband to marry him. The apostle Paul was kept in prison by this man for two years during which time Felix hoped to receive a bribe from Paul (Acts 24:26). During this term in prison, Paul was summoned to stand before Felix and Drusilla to speak concerning the faith in Jesus Christ. God can use his witnesses anywhere and in any circumstances.
As Paul stood before this man he knew what kind of man he was. Paul knew about their marriage and Drusilla’s adultery. As Paul spoke to them, he reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come. I would like to have heard exactly what he said. Can you imagine it? Here is one of the greatest missionary preachers the world has ever known and he has been invited to preach the gospel to two sinners that desperately need Jesus. He did not tell them how Jesus could fix their lives. He reasoned concerning righteousness. In other words, he talked about the difference between man’s righteousness and God’s righteousness.
Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Paul talked about God’s law and the fact that:
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.
Then he reasoned concerning temperance. In other words, he explained that even though we know what God’s Word says, we do not have the self-control to obey. Finally, he discussed the judgment to come. He explained that:
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
As Felix thought about his sin and the fact that one day he would stand before the judgment bar of God, the Bible says he trembled! Imagine that! A relatively unknown Jewish Christian made a Roman Governor tremble as he thought about heaven, hell and eternity! The Word of God is powerful! Here is the sad and tragic part of the story. Felix sent Paul away and said he would call for him when he had a “convenient season”.
How many people have heard the truth of the Word of God and trembled only to put off believing in Christ until a convenient season. The reality is that there many never be a convenient season. The Bible says:
2 Corinthians 6:2b behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Hebrews 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
In Christ,
Rody
