Paul Confronts a King!

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.

In Romans 8:28 the apostle Paul says, "And I know that all things work togther for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Paul may have been referring to the events of these last chapters in Acts, where his trials brought him before many men of power.  Today he is brought before King Felix.  Drusilla was Felix's 3rd wife, was 20 years old, and he had seduced her away from her husband. This might explain why Felix was afraid when Paul talked about righteousness, self control and the judgment to come.  Yet the conversations left Felix curious about Paul's message.  

We don't know if Felix wanted Paul to offer him a bribe, so he could release Paul because he cared for Paul, or he was just plain greedy.  Most likely it was the latter.  Paul could have tried to appease Felix, but he didn't hold back the truth of the gospel.  The gospel tells us of God's unconditional love in Christ but it is also a call to repent and turn from sin.  Perhaps as Paul preached to Felix, he became convicted of his sinful lifestyle and realized he would be accountable for his life to God one day.  Whatever the case, Felix seemed to leave the encounter without confessing his sin and turning to Jesus for new life.  In the final verses when he is succeeded Portius Festus, he kept Paul bound in prison hoping to do a favor for the Jews.  His heart was still hardened, and the last we hear of him is he is trying to save face for his own benefit. 

Who knows maybe some time later Felix turned to Christ?  What we do know is that Paul did not shrink back from preaching the gospel, even in a setting where he would be attempted to appease Felix rather than challenge him.   In our culture of a heightened sensitivity not to offend anyone, we might be tempted as Christians to avoid the subject of sin altogether.  But when we acknowledge our sinfulness it shows us our need for a Savior and a righteousness that is not our own.  Felix had issues of self control probably related to lust and greed.  He was offered an opportunity to repent, but he could not give up control of his life and gods.  Though Christians are saved and redeemed by Christ, we also need to be careful not to return being in control of our lives and refusing to repent of our sins.  Why?  Because God calls us to live a life worthy of the gospel.  We can share the gospel with someone but if our life doesn't reflect it, it may fall on deaf ears. 

Paul's situation of being put in prison gave him the chance to share the gospel with a very powerful man.  God gives us opportunities each day as a result of our circumstances.  Perhaps during this COVID shutdown God has allowed you to develop relationships  with those you never thought you would. Perhaps this is an opportunity to share God's love in word and deed! 

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