Acts 24:24-27, “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. 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.”
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 present 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 here 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 had no power to do anything to him. Paul was a prisoner in chains. Paul told Felix about Jesus. 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 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?
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