One Year Bible Readings and Commentary for Wednesday, July 7th
Most of the names in the genealogy in chapter 2 are names we don't recognize. Most of these name trace a side-line in the tribe of Judah, separate from the line that culminated in David.
1 Chronicles 3
The first nine verses deal with notating David's wives nad his sons. Some of these sons were born in Hebron, when he reigned there. And some in Jerusalem, where he reigned 33 years.
The reign of David can be divided into these two parts; before he made Jerusalem his capital city and after.
In verses 10-16, we see the royal line of Judah after David.
This section traces the descent of the line of David from Solomon to the time after the exile, when Chronicles seems to have been written.
Finally, we the reign of David after the time of exile (586 B.C.).
These were the descendants of the line of David born after the fall of Judah. They carried on the royal line of David.
1 Chronicles 4
Since the focus of these genealogies is the dynastic line of David, it makes sense that the tribe of Judah is listed first.
Paul came before governor Felix, and the Jewish high priests, and other elders who came to present their case against him. They made their case saying Paul was causing trouble by stirring up rioters, and that he had desecrated the temple. The fact was they had no specific way that he had done this. There was no evidence. When they called him a ring leader of a "Nazarene sect", it was a term of scorn for where Jesus grew up and his followers. The man's argument started out by trying to flatter King Felix, but then he produced no evidence for his charge.
Significantly, the same man who found it so easy to flatter also found it easy to accuse with no evidence. The two almost always go together; the person who flatters today will likely tomorrow accuse without evidence.
Meanwhile, Paul unfazed by the accusations, presented his case clearly and accurately. While he was respectful of Felix, he also pointed out succinctly how what they had accused him of had no basis in reality. At the end of the day Paul laid it out in simple terms. He said, "I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!”
Apparently King Felix was quite intrigued by the apostle Paul. It was probably the confidence with which presented his own case, the peace he showed, and the power of the Holy Spirit, who was clearly present with him. Felix was already familiar with the Way. We don't know how, but apparently someone else had planted some seeds of the gospel. Paul had gained favor with Felix, so Felix granted him generous liberty even when he was in custody.
A few days later, Felix brought in his wife, Drusila, who was Jewish. Paul continued to preach about faith in Jesus and also brought up the concepts of right living and self control.
This woman was the sister of Herod Agrippa II and Bernice mentioned in Acts 25. Drusilla was beautiful, ambitious, and about 20 years old at this point. Felix seduced her away from her husband and made her his third wife. (Guzik)
“The lax morals of Felix and Drusilla help to explain the topics on which Paul spoke to them.” (Stott)
Apparently Felix felt some conviction, as it caused him fear. He continued conversations with Paul for two years until he was succeeded by Porcius Festus. We don't know if Felix and/or his wife Drusila ever came to faith. I hope they did, but it does not appear likely by this text.
Here are what some commentators think about this,
Felix was afraid: Hearing this message made Felix afraid. Knowing something about his life, at least we can say that he probably understood it. The gospel should make those who are intent on rejecting Jesus afraid.
Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you: However, Felix was unwilling to declare his decision against Jesus. Instead, he rejected Jesus under the pretense of delaying his decision.
Many respond to the gospel in this way; they express their rejection through delay, by delaying their decision to commit to Jesus Christ – but it is rejection none the less. The Bible tells us to come to Jesus in repentance and faith today: Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
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