22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
24 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. 25 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.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- V22: “Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of the Way”?according to verse 21, “the Way” is connected to “the resurrection of the dead”. It can also be noticed that Felix not only knew about the Way, but he also had more perfect knowledge of it, knowing it very well, but from the beginning to the end, he did not really fully grasp the Way and still did not believe or accept its truth. It reminds me of Isaiah 6:9, “Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving”.
- V24: Felix came with his wife Drusilla to listen to Paul share about faith in Christ Jesus. But after Paul spoke about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come—Felix grew afraid, which I associate with the example of the man who received one talent and was too afraid to do anything with it. For the word of God is alive and active, it is promised to set us free and give us a happy life, but Felix accepted it by what he saw with his eyes and what he heard with his ears. In addition, under the guise of taking about the gospel with Paul, Felix sent Paul for him frequently and hoped Paul would offer him a bribe. In fact, Felix rejects the gospel, but was greedy for the treasures on earth.
- At this point, I am also reminded that in verse 23 I cannot understand why at the beginning Felix gave Paul some aspect of freedom and permitted his friends to take care of his needs, I think the fundamental reason is also due to Felix’s greed of earthly treasures.
- In verse 27, because Felix wanted to grant a favor to people: the Jews, he left Paul in prison, but did not consider that Paul was the servant of God.
PRAYING IN FAITH
Ask ourselves: I also have more perfect knowledge about “the way”, what is my response to it? Am I also afraid like Felix?
Will I also try to gain the fame and wealth of the earth under the guise of taking about the word of God?
Pray that you, your five, and our church will see the greatness of God’s will above all else.