Do you know a Felix?

Acts 24: 22-27

Do you recall the Scripture where Jesus states; “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.  (Matthew 7:7-8)  As we explore Felix’s actions over two years, you must ask the question, was Felix a seeker or just a guy with a plan? 

The Scriptures tell us that Felix had accurate knowledge of the Way, so he understood why the Jewish leaders were out to get Paul, and he did not pass judgment, but used the excuse of wanting to hear from Lysias the tribune before making any decision.  It depends on whose calculator is used, from Caesarea to Jerusalem is between 53 and 78 miles and Lysias has already given a written account, and we should note this fact, that Lysias is the commander of the Roman garrison in Jerusalem and his legion was headquartered in Caesarea, so it seems highly unlikely that for two years he did not visit Caesarea.  What does seem accurate is that Felix did not want to render a verdict. 

We also need to note that God was giving Paul protection and the freedom to share the good news of the risen Lord, while being free to have any of Paul’s friends visit, he had the Roman guards watching over him.

So as my friend David Flemming would often say, that’s just false whiskers, and he meant that the excuse for not buying was not the real reason.   So it seems that Felix had other reasons for keeping Paul incarcerated, and the answer is found in the following verses. “After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” (Acts 24:24-25)

If you wonder what alarmed Felix so much that he told Paul to “Go away for the present,” it was about the coming judgment and the need to repent.  I often refer to this as conversion, the person believes but is not willing to take the step of faith, and not willing to bow their knee to the control and authority of Jesus, so they never enter His rest.  But in Felix’ case it seems that was not true, he was fearful, but that is what happens when one is convicted of sin, but Felix was also a man who had a reputation for corruption, cruelty and base lusts, and he lived for what was in it for Felix.

We find all we need to know about Felix in these verses: “At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.”  (Acts 24:26-27 ESV)  Do you know a Felix? A better question may be are you a Felix?  The old expression often used in sales (WIIFM) “What’s in it for me.”  Do we not have a culture built around that motto, and if that’s where you find yourself, go beyond the actions of Felix, not only be converted but bow your knee in faith and ask Jesus to forgive your sins of wanting to be the authority of your live.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice