Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
Acts 24: 22-27
Luke writes that Felix had “a rather accurate knowledge of the Way.” So, Felix delayed the proceedings until Lysias, the tribune in Jerusalem who arrested Paul, could come to Caesarea and report to Felix, giving Felix the additional information Felix will need to make a judgment. Felix, also, kept Paul in protective custody allowing Paul’s friends and fellow Christians to visit him. During this time of holding Paul, Felix would have Paul brought before him and his wife, Drusilla, to discuss the gospel and the Scriptures. As Paul eloquently expounded God’s Holy Word, Felix would be visibly shaken by what was being said. But, Felix resisted the working of the Holy Spirit upon him, halting the talks with Paul and calling him back into his presence later. Luke writes that Felix held Paul for two years and, when Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus, Paul remained imprisoned because Festus wanted to be kind to the Jews who hated Paul. Christians, Luke is showing us, in this story, the gospel being presented to those who need to hear it but, they are not persuaded to receive the good news of salvation by God. Jesus has commanded all Christians to go; to tell; and, to make disciples. Jesus never commands Christians to “save” anyone for that work is the work of God alone. In His sovereignty, God regenerates those, whom He chose before the foundation of all Creation, to become a part of the Bride of Christ. Unless God the Holy Spirit comes to a sinner regenerating his dead soul to life eternal and making him willing to receive Christ, no man can enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus outlined that to Nicodemus in their meeting at night. Since humans cannot know the heart of a fellow human, we can only present the gospel as Paul did time and time again to Felix. Luke tells us Felix’s motive for having Paul brought before him often was, “he hoped that money would be given him by Paul.” As we obey our Savior and Lord Jesus, let us remember that we are doing what is commanded of us and the results are to be left in the very capable “hands” of God Almighty. Source: S C Ball August 10, 2023
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