Memorize: Hearing held by Felix
Key Verses: 5, 13, 23, 26, 27
Paul begins his witness to the leaders of the Roman Empire. The Lord opens doors for him that humanly it would be impossible to open. And yet, Paul is witnessing to them. Of course, Paul is a prisoner, falsely accused, under threat of death, but that doesn’t matter to him. He fulfills his calling.
Paul has been transported from Jerusalem by a very strong personal security detail of 470 highly trained soldiers. The Romans don’t want him killed, as he is a Roman citizen, and they have a duty to protect Roman citizens. The bad press would not be worth the results, so they expend the resources to keep Paul safe. His accusers arrive, but they have any actual evidence to convict Paul of any crime. They just want their political power to sway the Governor. Ananias probably comes with all his fancy garments and appeals to relationship he has with Felix in an attempt to get Paul and kill him. But Felix doesn’t budge. Felix is going to provide a proper trial.
Paul presents the Gospel to Felix. And Felix repeatedly asks Paul to come and talk to him. Felix hopes for a bribe. Paul hopes and prays for conversion. Felix’s wife is also present for some of those talks. She was Jewish by birth. Can you imagine the influence Paul was having on them? I can almost hear the pillow talk now. She probably spent those two years talking the details of Paul’s discussions with her husband. He had been present and then he has to hear her rehash them in detail with her. I know this is not written in Scripture, but I can imagine this happening. Husbands and wives often talk over things, don’t they!
And then there is a new leader in town! And Paul remains locked up. How would you feel having been locked up for two years on false charges? But we hear no bitterness or anger from Paul. If we know anything about Paul, we know that he uses the visits from his friends, which are provided by Felix, to teach, preach and encourage. He does have some freedom, and I bet he uses it to full advantage. I bet there are many lives changed because Paul was willing to be imprisoned for Jesus.
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