PT-2 "The Verdict" (Acts 24:22-27)

 

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9/4/2018 9:34 AM

 

My Worship Time                                                                              Focus:  PT-2 “The Verdict”

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                 Reference:  Acts 24:22-27

 

            Message of the verses: “22 But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case." 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him. 24 But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you." 26 At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.”

 

            We begin today looking at the 24^th verse where Paul speaks about faith in Christ Jesus to Felix and his wife.  MacArthur writes that “the definite article appears in the Greek text; cf. Jude 3.  In other words, he discussed the gospel and Christian beliefs with them.  Zeroing in on every sinner’s dilemma, Paul specifically ‘was discussing the righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come.”  When we see the word “righteousness” it is speaking of absolute standard demanded by God’s holy nature.  "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matt. 5:48).”  Next we look at “self-control” (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, esp. his sensual appetites).”  Judgment is next:  “Judgment is the inevitable result (apart from saving faith in Christ) of failing to control oneself so as to live up to God’s standards.”  Felix was frightened and would send Paul away, and perhaps his fright was because he was living with a woman whom he had lured away from her husband. 

 

            Felix’s fear did not lead him to repentance as he tells Paul “Go away for the present, and when I find time, I will summon you.”  for He says, "AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU." Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION’ (2 Cor. 6:2).”

 

            We read on that Felix, apparently without his wife, would send for Paul to talk to him, and yet there is no reason to believe that he ever accepted the forgiveness that was offered to all through Jesus Christ.  He was actually more interested in getting a bribe from Paul, which of course Paul would not give to him.

 

            We see in the last part of verse 27 “wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.” 

 

            John MacArthur writes “Felix stands for all time as a tragic example of missed opportunity.  In the words of the writer of Hebrews,

 

26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27  but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.

 

“All who are tempted, like Felix, to postpone a decision about Jesus Christ would do well to heed the sobering warning of Hebrews 3:7-8a ‘Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.’”

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  This is a good way to end this 24^th chapter of the book of Acts as we can see that Felix did not come to the decision of accepting the forgiveness that only Jesus Christ offers, and so those who are reading this take another look at Hebrews 3:7-8a and think hard about what it says.

 

My Steps of Faith for Today:  Trust that the Lord will give my wife and I a good trip to our first destination where we will spend the night and then travel to our vacation rental tomorrow.  My prayers are that we would have a good time, that God will bless our vacation and that it will bring honor to our Lord.

 

Answer to yesterday’s Bible question:  “John the Baptist” (Matthew 14:2-4).

 

Today’s Bible question:  “Which book covers the reign of Saul as king of Israel and introduces David as his successor?”

 

Answer in our next SD.

 

9/4/2018 10:01 AM