Acts 24 “We Shall Speak Again”
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.” (v.25)
Paul here in chapter 24, was taken before the Roman procurator Felix. False
accusations were flowing against him from envious, bitter Jewish leaders that
resented Christianity. It was during this time that the Roman judge gave an
audience to Paul's accusers.
Felix,
however, was not ignorant of who Christians were (v.24), and what they were
teaching. Perhaps, he had heard around the city about Christ, or how
Christianity had been sweeping the countryside. He had his opinions about
Christianity, but he was wise enough not to hear both sides.
Paul, instead
of cowering under the authority of the man that was managing the affairs for
the Romans, took the opportunity to talk to the ruler about spiritual
things. The preacher spoke of living a righteous life, not indulging in
sin, and about the judgments God would bring.
Even
though Paul’s judge, as history tells us, was known for his cruelty, murders,
and even considered himself licensed to commit any crime he desired, Paul did
not waiver or hold back on any of the truths from the Word of God. Felix could
have easily given the word, and Paul’s life would have been snuffed out; but
Paul boldly preached on.
Paul’s
message did affect Felix. Verse 25 records that the man trembled at what
he had heard. His fear did not guide him to repentance, however. He
dismissed Paul, and promised that they might speak again. He had the
opportunity to be saved, but he put it off. Felix missed a time he could have
been saved.
Many are
so much like Felix. They hear the convicting message from the Word of God.
It cuts deeply into their heart. Conviction of past sins floods their memories.
They often have the opportunity right then and there to confess Jesus as their
Savior and to get their sins forgiven, but they put it off. “Tomorrow,”
“Later”, “Some other time.”
For some, that
“other time” never comes. All too often they miss the last opportunity
they had for salvation, and die lost, without Christ, and spend their eternity
in hell. They often get so close to salvation, but miss an eternity with Jesus.
Never say
“No,” to God’s provoking of your heart about anything, especially
salvation. You may never have tomorrow!
The Truth
"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)
