Acts 24:22-27 Felix Procrastinates
“But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.” When is a prisoner not a prisoner? When he has liberty and his friends can visit him and bring him anything he needs or wants. Obviously, Felix has not been impressed by Tertullus, the fancy orator hired by the high priest. One hopes for Tertullus’ sake that he has collected his speaking fee ahead of time; otherwise, he might find himself unpaid. (The high priest might not speak fluent Latin, but he’s undoubtedly a canny businessman who pays for results, not attempts.)
So Paul continues to stay in Caesarea, presumably in a well-ventilated room with guards who have come to enjoy his company. Given all Paul’s travels, he is probably a very engaging companion, one who can speak knowledgably about nearly any part of the Roman Empire at that point. And all the time Paul remains in Caesarea, he continues to quietly witness to his guards and to anybody else who visits him. Who knows how many converts Paul is making while he stays in Caesarea!
“And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore, he sent for him more often and conversed with him.” Hmm! Sounds as if Felix is coming under conviction. Drusilla, Felix’s wife, is Jewish and she might even become a Christian during the time Paul is in Caesarea. Since Drusilla is only a female, she doesn’t come in for much attention in this story. And Felix continues to keep Paul in hopes that someone will reward him (Felix) generously, at which point, he will find a convenient excuse for releasing Paul.
The tragedy of Felix’s life is that he has the opportunity to listen to one of the greatest evangelists of all time, and he stops his ears and his heart. Eventually, Felix will go on to Rome, where he will narrowly escape punishment for using a dispute between the Jews and the Syrians of Caesarea as a pretext to slay and plunder the inhabitants.
“But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.” For Felix, the decision is simple: Paul’s friends have refused to pay bribes, so let Porcius Festus deal with these troublesome Jews and their complicated theological wranglings. Paul remains technically in prison but at liberty and his friends continue to visit and provide for him.
Why is God allowing Paul to remain a prisoner at Caesarea? Paul has been traveling a great deal. Now that Paul is staying in one of the most healthful parts of the Roman Empire, he has leisure in which to visit with people, eat regular meals, and catch up on his sleep. Prior to the Day of Pentecost when Paul entered the temple in Jerusalem, he was bending every effort to make it to Jerusalem on time. Now, all Paul can do is to wait and rest and build up his strength.
One of the most helpful pieces of advice we have ever received from veteran missionaries is this: God wants us to be human BEINGS, not human DOINGS. So many times, we devise agendas and then beat ourselves bloody about the head and shoulders to stay on course, to fulfill our plans. But are those plans always God’s plans, or are they our idea of what we think we must do to please God? Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Today, may God help all of us so that we will “be still and know” that He is God and that our times are in His hands!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to rest when You give us time to do so, realizing that You know our limitations better than we do. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Burunche's Blog 
Leave a comment