07/01/2025
Acts 24:22-27
WHO DO YOU KNOW LIKE THIS?
Felix. I suppose we all know someone like Felix. In fact, some of us actually are like Felix ourselves. See how many of these points match someone you know well:
1. Felix was well acquainted with the Way. Maybe he had friends. Maybe he had been to church. Maybe it was through his wife. In any case, Felix was what we might call a spectator. A student, but not a member.
2. “I will decide.” The time isn’t right just now, but when Lysias arrives, or when I’m not so busy, or whatever the excuse, he puts off really delving into the details of Paul’s legal case. Perhaps because Paul’s legal case would require Felix to consider Paul’s faith.
3. While Felix delays, he treats Paul well—for a criminal. More on that in a moment.
4. Now Felix brings his wife, who just happens to be Jewish. As such, he has no doubt heard many conversations about faith and God, and even about Jesus. And now, he will let her serve as his conscience, so he can continue to remain one step away from facing the truth.
5. Into this setting, Felix brings Paul to talk about faith. But in typical confrontational fashion, Paul gets much more direct. He talks about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, which is extremely personal application, and not just general objective matters. Remember, Felix is well-acquainted with the Way, and yet these personal applications are frightening to Felix. Judgment? Repent? No, stop!
6. “That’s enough for now. When I find it convenient, will send for you.” When do you think it will be “convenient” for Felix to come back to the topic? If he is in control of the conversation, then he can put off repentance.
7. Felix never asks Paul to come again. At least, not with the intent for Felix to hear convicting words. Instead, Felix is hoping that by treating Paul nicely and letting Paul have friends come to “take care of him,” then Paul will offer Felix bribes (as most people on trial will do, by the way).
8. And for TWO YEARS Felix keeps Paul locked up. Though he has no real charge against him, he also has no intention of letting Paul go. After all, he’s got to please the Jews in his territory. You understand, right?
And eventually Felix reaches the end of his life, having never gotten around to a life-changing decision to repent. He hangs around the gospel just enough to inoculate himself, so he never catches the real thing.
Let’s pray for the Felixes in our lives!
“Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 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. 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. 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.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 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.”
Acts 24:22-27 NIV
