Why Did Felix Tremble?

Why did Felix Tremble?
Acts 24:24-27
As the apostle Paul stood before those who accused him of all manner of incorrect actions he took this opportunity to tell his story about how he met Jesus. Picture this Paul was brought from prison to stand before the Roman governor and state his case. Also there were the Jews, the religious elite, who were jealous and afraid of Paul. Not only were they afraid of Paul they were afraid of Jesus. We see the most powerful political figure in the region with the authority to kill or spare a man’s life. Felix was not afraid of Paul nor was he afraid of the Jews. So what did Paul say that made this powerful man tremble?
Paul only knew one thing for sure—he had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He had heard His voice and he had felt a peace that passeth all understanding fill his heart. He also knew Jesus, God’s only son, had died at the hands of sinful men just like those who now were accusing him. In short Paul preached Jesus to this powerful Roman governor. He told Felix how Jesus died—the just for the unjust. How on the third day he rose from the dead and was alive today. He told Felix about hell and the consequences of sin. He also told Felix how he and all those who stood as his accusers would one day stand before a Holy Righteous God to be judged for their actions. I think this last part really got Felix’s attention. He understood judgment and he understood what it meant to be judged as he was a judge himself. As Paul preached the Jews got nervous and Felix started to tremble at this most powerful message this prisoner was sending.
Paul also was not afraid of Felix nor was he afraid of the Jews. He was sure of his salvation and sure of the message he was sent to share with his world. Unlike many today Paul never missed an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. He told his whole world what Jesus did for him and what he could do for them. When Paul was preaching he knew he was risking his own life just mentioning the name Jesus. There were many who wanted Paul to be put to death to shut him up. Paul did not care about his life his only concern was to see others come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Paul knew all about the traditions of the Jews. After all he was a Pharisee of Pharisees. He knew all about the law and he knew the religious crowd was jealous. Paul didn’t get hung up on tradition nor did he get hung up on being politically correct. He did know Jesus and him crucified.
So why did Felix tremble? Paul had no power to do anything to him. Paul was a prisoner in chains. Felix trembled because he was shown his sinful condition and the facts concerning his condition. He was also shown the results if he did not make some changes in his life. Paul told Felix he was going to die and spend eternity in a devils hell if he did not change. He told Felix to ignore the Jews and their traditions and laws and look to the King of Kings the savior of the world. He told him salvation waited for him in the name of Jesus and all he had to do was call on that name. Then Paul made a very strong statement. If Felix refused and rejected Jesus offer that he would one day stand before someone more powerful than August Caesar. Stand before and be judged by someone who had the power to destroy body and soul in hell. He also told Felix he would have to give account for all his words. Yes that alone made Felix tremble.
There is nothing more freighting than to walk into a place that is unfamiliar and with known hostility all around. Knowing danger lurks around every corner and not knowing where or when an attack might come is a very scary thing. Felix did not know his destiny; could not see the future. This alone scared this powerful man. He did not know what lay ahead. Just like us today we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Many today are afraid not to trust Jesus. Yet the world has such a strong hold on them that they can’t or won’t let go. They don’t want to die. They don’t want to go the hell. They don’t want to stand before the most powerful judge and state why they rejected the Son of God. Yet they all want to be politically correct. Does that make you tremble? It did Felix.
Paul is still sending a warning to us today. You are going to die with or without Jesus. With Him heaven will be your home. Without Him Hell is waiting and is filling up fast. Jesus is weeping and waiting for you. He died for you. Shed His blood on a cruel Roman cross for you. God loves you so much He sent His son to die for you. What are you going to do?