Daily Bread 2011 - Acts 24
Daily Bread 2011 – Acts 24
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 Does This Mean?
As Paul continues to work his way up the ladder of authority in the Roman world, he is brought before the Governor, Felix. Because Paul was a Roman citizen, Felix allowed him to make a defense for himself. As Paul testifies, he quite eloquently asserts that he has really done nothing wrong other than asserting the resurrection of the dead.
As we see this unfold it reminds us of the trial of Jesus, when there was really nothing substantive to convict him of anything deserving of death. Like Jesus, the only thing Paul was guilty of was stirring up the crowds due to the fact that he was challenging the status quo and religious authorities of the day. They wanted to get rid of Paul because they felt threatened.
As Felix listens to Paul, he is strangely curious. He brings in his wife, Drusilla, who is Jewish to learn more. But as Paul continues to preach to Felix on subjects such as: righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, he becomes afraid. Often when the Holy Spirit starts to convict a person of their need of a Savior, there is curiosity mixed with fear. The Spirit is drawing one near, and yet the spirit of the world creates fear and also our own natural man is afraid of the changes that will occur as we yield to God’s plan for our lives.
What Does This Mean For Us?
As God works through us and brings us before others of influence, we may have the opportunity to give the reason for the hope that is within us. (1 Peter 3:15) We again continue to see Paul’s journey to Rome and all the ways it presents opportunities for him to give witness to faith in Jesus. As we share with those not of faith, there will be times they are curious and other times they may want to avoid us like the plague.
Importantly, it is God who works through us and draws someone to faith in His Son! We only need to be faithful messengers like Paul. We are not responsible for conversion, but communication of the Good News. Who might God be calling you to share the Good News with in your life? Hint: It may be someone you might not suspect.
Heavenly Father, we know you are always at work bringing us into situations where we might draw others to your saving love through a sharing of the Good News in the power of the Spirit. Help us to persevere even when fear stands in the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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 Does This Mean?
As Paul continues to work his way up the ladder of authority in the Roman world, he is brought before the Governor, Felix. Because Paul was a Roman citizen, Felix allowed him to make a defense for himself. As Paul testifies, he quite eloquently asserts that he has really done nothing wrong other than asserting the resurrection of the dead.
As we see this unfold it reminds us of the trial of Jesus, when there was really nothing substantive to convict him of anything deserving of death. Like Jesus, the only thing Paul was guilty of was stirring up the crowds due to the fact that he was challenging the status quo and religious authorities of the day. They wanted to get rid of Paul because they felt threatened.
As Felix listens to Paul, he is strangely curious. He brings in his wife, Drusilla, who is Jewish to learn more. But as Paul continues to preach to Felix on subjects such as: righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, he becomes afraid. Often when the Holy Spirit starts to convict a person of their need of a Savior, there is curiosity mixed with fear. The Spirit is drawing one near, and yet the spirit of the world creates fear and also our own natural man is afraid of the changes that will occur as we yield to God’s plan for our lives.
What Does This Mean For Us?
As God works through us and brings us before others of influence, we may have the opportunity to give the reason for the hope that is within us. (1 Peter 3:15) We again continue to see Paul’s journey to Rome and all the ways it presents opportunities for him to give witness to faith in Jesus. As we share with those not of faith, there will be times they are curious and other times they may want to avoid us like the plague.
Importantly, it is God who works through us and draws someone to faith in His Son! We only need to be faithful messengers like Paul. We are not responsible for conversion, but communication of the Good News. Who might God be calling you to share the Good News with in your life? Hint: It may be someone you might not suspect.
Heavenly Father, we know you are always at work bringing us into situations where we might draw others to your saving love through a sharing of the Good News in the power of the Spirit. Help us to persevere even when fear stands in the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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