Day 24: Acts Ch.24. Today’s reading documents Paul’s trial before the Roman governor of Judea. In the last verse we learn that Paul was imprisoned for two years while this process played out. Surely Paul had to wonder how God was using him while locked away for such a long time. Pray today for patience as God’s will plays out in your life.
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 20
Acts 24
1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
Acts of the Apostles 24:5-6,12,14
[5]We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes.
[6]Furthermore, he was trying to desecrate the Temple when we arrested him.
[12]My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city.
[14]“But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.
People are going to talk and make accusations, but don’t let them stop you from believing and talking about Jesus to others. God is so good and he can open minds and hearts of people.
He then proceeded to specify four distinct charges against the Apostle Paul.
1. He was a plague, that is, a pest or a nuisance.
2. He was a creator of revolt among all the Jews.
3. He was a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
4. He tried to profane the temple.
Praise the Lord if I get charged or accuse at least for one then.
A.L.M.A.S.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
We all must be cautious to not become more attached to the doctrine of our denomination, than we are joined in a union with Jesus.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
They tried to make Apostle Paul look and sound bad but guess what The Hand Of The Lord is on him. Jesus is a just GOD!
He is control! For we will always have many accusers day and night but don’t stop pressing forward with Jesus!
Hallelujah!
Thank You Jesus!
Verses 22-26 MSG “Felix waffled. He knew far more about the Way than he let on, and could have settled the case then and there. But uncertain of his best move politically, he played for time. “When Captain Lysias comes down, I’ll decide your case.” He gave orders to the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to more or less give him the run of the place and not prevent his friends from helping him. A few days later Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul and listened to him talk about a life of believing in Jesus Christ. As Paul continued to insist on right relations with God and his people, about a life of moral discipline and the coming Judgment, Felix felt things getting a little too close for comfort and dismissed him. “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient.” At the same time he was secretly hoping that Paul would offer him a substantial bribe. These conversations were repeated frequently.” Many are still waiting for their best opportunity (move) to come up or a more convenient time; but, we do NOT have that kind of time as the scriptures say in Matthew 3:2 AMP “[a]Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Be GREATER!
Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Msg Believe me, I do my level best to keep a clear conscience before God and my neighbors and everything I do.
2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had a conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
God keeps us focused on Him.
25. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Don’t trade eternity for convenience!
2 Corinthians 6:
2. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Mark 13:
32. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Acts 24 : 24-25 ( amp) Some days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla , who was a Jewees; and he sent for Paul and listened to him ( talk) about faith in Christ Jesus .
(25) But as he continued to argue about uprightness, purity of life the control of the passions and the judgment to come, Felix became alarmed and terrified and said,Go away for the present; when I have a convenient opportunity I will send for you.
1 Corinthians 6: 2 Do you not know that the saints [ the Christians] will [ one day] judge and govern the world? And if the world [ itself] is to be judged and ruled by you, are you unworthy and incompetent to try [ such petty matters] of the smallest courts of justice?
It’s better not to wait , Now is time to make a change in your life.
Choose a life with Jesus, He all you need.
14 But I confess this to you, that according to [d]the Way, which they call a [divisive and heretical] sect, I do worship and serve the God of our fathers, [confidently] believing everything that is in accordance with the Law [of Moses] and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having [the same] hope in God which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of [the dead], both of the righteous and of the wicked. 16 In view of this, I also do my best and strive always to have a clear conscience before God and before men. AMP
We must always stand up for the TRUTH, and what we believe in. No matter the outcome! Jesus will always be there to take care of you!
A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts of the Apostles 24:24 NLT
I love how God works and can bring some of the most prestigious people in front of us due to their inner hunger. God will put us through just about any situation just for someone to hear and to have the opportunity to come to Christ along our pathway. As we pray for our footsteps to be directed, we should be aware that sometimes those footsteps are going to lead us in places that are very uncomfortable just so we can share the good news.
The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, “I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you. You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing. “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.”
Acts of the Apostles 24:10-16 NLT
It has been said that a man does not gain anything by trying to defend himself against his critics. Your enemies will not believe you, no matter what you say, and your friends don’t need to be convinced because they already believe you. It is my desire to let the Lord fight my battles for me instead of trying to get defensive.
25 NKJV “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.””
The “convenient” time to hear the Word of GOD is now. Time is running out. “ Matthew 3:2 NKJV “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!””
I love POFW LIVE JESUS GIVE JESUS2 GREATER! We all must be cautious to not become more attached to the doctrine of our denomination, than we are joined in a union with Jesus. (Copied from Bro Joe) this to me is a big big AMEN!! Paul was a great man of God and I love reading about hi work for God!
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
The way of the world….to our convenience……we want everything to go our way…..he is waiting for a convenient season, but most of the time when GOD says to do something it isn’t so convenient in that moment but always will work out for our good!!! GOD IS FAITHFUL and we should be as well, whether it may seem convenient or not!!!
HALELUJAH!!!
8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
When others try to lie about you, there is no need to worry just give it to God,Leave it with God and forgive.
GREATER
APOSTOLIC IDENTITY
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
What a workout for some of us!
For those that are given to excercise, here is a new one for us.
DO NOT BE OFFENSIVE to GOD or man.
This is an INTENSE workout for those of us that use WORDS along with our seperated, Holy lifestyle to represent and live for JESUS.
WIth so many differing doctrines and beliefs in the world and even among Pentecostals. For this reason I choose to follow the Apostles as closely as possible, knowing that like, Stephen, Peter, Paul and others. This doctrine will eventually be offensive to someone that does not beileve.
Our greatest challenges come from within our own faith. As Paul stated:
NLT
14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. 15 I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous.
16 Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.
We believe in some areas alike, but they still call us a cult. Point being, we can excercise everyday to not offend people, but eventually our lifestyle or the WORD of GOD we speak will be offensive to some. Then we are called a cult.
Continue in the FAITH, live for GOD, obey HIS WORD, follow Spiritual Leadership and we will see each other at the Mountain Top.
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iLive
iGive
iReap
iGo
iBlessYouInTheNameOfTheLordJESUS
Amen
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
I pray we never pass up God’s will for a more convenient time. God is an on time God; if we choose to pass, there is no assurance we will get another chance. Whether the chance is for our own blessing or for the opportunity to reach another soul. Let us always be ready and willing when God calls.
“But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.”
Acts 24:27 KJV
Our timing isn’t God’s timing. We may have a preconceived motion on how an event or season in our life may go but ultimately it is God’s will for us to follow what He has planned for us. He has ordered our steps and made provision, so there is nothing for us to fear. Thank You Jesus for paving the way!
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
In the carnal mind it must be ‘convenient’ to come to God, but the enemy of our soul can make sure there is no such time. We must be determined to seek God and our salvation, putting it ahead of anything else. It must be first and it must be the priority or like Felix, that chance will not come.
“And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.”
Acts 24:22, 25-27 KJV
Convenience, money, fame?! One who knew about the LORD became blinded it seems like to me. Sir Felix for two years you kept Paul bound.
One thing is, that salvation can never be bought.
Felix have you not heard the full gospel?
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost..And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
Acts 2:38, 40 KJV
As Peter said…’Obey GOD rather men.’
Fame, popularity will not get you anywhere.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
*********************
Let no man find fault in me. There will be those who want to stir up trouble, tell lies and gossip. They are not happy with anything in the church and will cause division. As a church we must be united in the teaching of the word. Don’t have a dispute with your brother/sister in Christ, work it out privately, go to the Pastor together, it should not be played out in front of the whole church. If it be within the family, take it home and discuss it there, the church is no place to be fighting. Peace in the church. Let there be peace. When you pray for someone you are mad at or even can’t stand, you find that you change, your attitude changes, you might even feel love for that person. That is the great power of prayer. Jesus change my heart towards those who have wronged me and help me to love them with the love only you can give. Thank you Jesus
And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
Paul never pulls back from the gospel but presses in at all times
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Paul was not intimidated or ashamed to share Jesus with anyone, even if it meant he stay imprisioned. There will be people that are not open to what we have to share, but there will be people that are open. The seed will fall on good soil and bad soil, just like in the parable of the sower, the seed fell on 2 different types of soil. We are not responsible for what the hearer does once he has heard, we are responsible to tell. Let’s get bold and now allow people to intimidate us and share the gospel with everyone, regardless of who they are.
The Living Bible
vs:24-25
A few days later Felix came with Drusilla, his legal wife, a Jewess . Sending for Paul ,they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come,Felix was terrified. Go away for now he replied,and when I have a more convenient time, I’ll call for you again.
Drusilla was the young daughter of Herod Agrippa I, who deserted one husband to marry the more powerful Felix . Both listened to Paul’s talk of righteousness,self control , and judgment to come and the need for faith in Christ. The conscience of Felix at least was troubled enough for him to “be afraid” but not enough to repent and believe.
When the Holy Ghost convicts it is dangerous to delay. The best time to believe is NOW!!!!!
The Kingdom of Jesus is GREATER
Paul was not in the lest part intimidated by this great speaker and accuser. At this time I’m sure it was like one of the greatest lawyers of the area against a common man in a court of law. This is the same boldness we can have in the Word of God. It doesn’t matter how smart of a feller you go up against, when God has given you a revelation it’s like, “Game On!”. I pray we would all get revelation in God’s Word.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Felix was like so many people today who put off salvation. There is not a more convenient season. Today is the day of salvation. The sooner the better.
Acts 24:10 & 14-16 (NLT)
10) The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I Gladly present my defense before you.
14) But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.
15) I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous.
16) Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.
Why was Paul able to Gladly, and with Confidence, present his defense before the governor when he had so many people falsely accusing him of things?
Because he Followed the Way, JESUS; he Worshiped Him; he Believed in His Written Word; and he had Hope in Him, and because of this he maintained a clear conscience before God and all people.
When you have a Clear Conscience before God and people, you can speak with Confidence when you are under attack.
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
Paul testified what he believed, saying that he believed in the same God, in everything that was written in the law and the prophets and the resurrection of just and unjust. He said it was that the reason he tried to live with a pure conscious.
Our Lord help us to live to be desirable unto His presence.
Acts 21;26, Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Paul didn’t have to go into the purification of Jews’ hypocrisy program. he did it just to get closed to them with the purpose to preach Jesus Christ’s Gospel.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude nor with tumult.
in the whole book, We won’T see any brethren praying for him as they did for Piter. That put Paul in the chopper block of the blood-thirsty Roman Neron. He got killed before his time because the church did not pray the same as they did with Piter. before he got killed in Rome this is what he told his disciple Timoty
2 Timothy 4;7, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
He still had plans to go to Spain. Today we missed two-letter. to Spain and Laodicean.
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
Paul doesn’t allow false accusations to cause him to loose his cool, he trusted Jesus.
We would be wise to follow suit.
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
Where is your hope??
Hope anywhere other than Jesus, is false hope.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
When we hear the Word, we too should be moved.
And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Not everybody is ready to receive the word of God. To many individuals it is not a convenient season for them. The sad part is that the word tells us to seek the Lord while he may be found. We are not promised tomorrow. We as messengers of the gospel also should’t invest too much time on individuals who do not want to receive the word. Instead we should pray that the Lord would orchestrate devine appointments for those that are hungry and ready to receive a world form God. There are those that are probably praying right now, “Lord if you are real…” Let us be the extension of the Lord and be the tangible source that God is real.
Thank you Jesus!!!
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
Be reverent to the man of God in your life. I would not go strictly off of Felix’s reactions, however, proper reasoning was done.
“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.”
Acts 24:23 NIV
When you are doing the work of the lord for him, he will always provide. No matter how many times people may try to lie on you or keep your mouth shut. Continue to use your voice and spread the word of the lord and do what god has called you to do.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
We must worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Worshipping the Lord confuses the enemy. Keep worshipping the Lord and he will show you the way.
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
There are people in all of our lives that have falsely accused us at some point or another. We can choose to fight or we can choose to let God fight for us. Paul did speak and say what happened but he did not fight. I have learned that if we fight we usually lose, but if we let God fight for us we will never lose. God let us put everything in your hands when people wrongly accuse us.
The will of God is not always easy. It often will have you so locked up and wondering. Yet we are to trunk on
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee./
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
Reminds me of a saying we all heard growing up, probably even had a cheesy poster of it in a classroom at one point.
“Honest is the Best Policy”
Seems like an accurate phrase to live by, but as I sit here thinking about all the various times in my life I can’t say honesty would have been the best policy. There have been conflict avoided, and friendships mended due to lack of brutal honesty.
I’m not advising lying or deception, I’m only sharing a thought that maybe “honesty” isn’t always the “best policy”.
I would like counterfeit that “OBEDIENCE is the Best Policy”.
Obedience to God, authority, and those guidelines placed in our lives either by ourselves or others ultimately set us up for success. Obedience will not lead us down the path of chaos or confusion, as we will have a clear vision from what has been instructed to us. Obedience is better than sacrifice, which leads me to believe that obedience is the best policy.
As Paul was honestly defending his case, there was a reoccurring act of obedience. Paul never wavered and acted insubordinate or acted out for being locked away. He was obedient to Jesus and allowed His Will to be his path.
We are blessed with multiple opportunities throughout life to be obedient and honest!
As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”
Acts of the Apostles 24:25 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.24.25.NLT
I pray for those that reject the truth. That there would be not fear! That they would find the courage to respond to the Word of God and not shut it out! There’s not a “more convenient time”. The time is NOW!
Paul is such a great example of continuing to share the Gospel even when the situation is not ideal. Even while bound to in imprisonment, Paul never swayed from the truth.
God we ask for confidence in your word to always know what to say, and when to say it, when when we are pushed up against a wall. We thank you for people like Paul who gives us an example how to always press forward.