“Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. ‘When Lysias the commander comes,’ he said, ‘I will decide your case.’ He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.’ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.“
Acts 24:22-27
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JUNE 13, 2025
As we saw earlier, our text this week is light on low-hanging doctrine or devotional content, and full of conspiracy and action. But there’s plenty for us to glean in this thrilling tale, and it all comes together in today’s verses.
We learn today that Felix, the Governor who has been hearing Paul’s case, is well acquainted with “the Way.”
Just a verse or two later, we learn that Felix’s wife is herself Jewish! The two of them go to visit their prisoner and listen to him explain his faith in Jesus, the Christ.
Remember: Jesus was Jewish, and Paul is Jewish. “The Christ” is Greek for “the anointed One” or “the Messiah”, the great hope of Isreal. And though Paul is convinced the Spirit of God is being poured out upon Gentiles, “the Way” remains very much a sect (as this passage calls it) within Judaism. I can imagine that Governor Felix and his wife were quite interested in hearing what Paul would say about it off record.
But when Paul begins to talk about the right-living and self-control following Jesus requires, Felix knows he’s barking up the wrong tree. Felix wanted a bribe, a way to further his own wealth and status. And as even a ten second Google search will show you, Felix was known for his lack of self-control, his lack of right-living. He was violent, oppressive, and greedy.
Friends, Paul did not appeal to his Roman citizenship because he believed the Roman authorities and government were godly, or just, or compassionate. They famously were not. Famously they crucified their enemies (including Jesus) and would soon destroy Jerusalem and the temple. Felix left Paul sitting in prison without access to resolution or justice.
And still the Way of Jesus moves forward. For the Way is not wedded to earthly powers or rulers, but to those who mourn, those who hunger, those who are seeking God from the outside. Those who commit to peace, not power. As Jesus said:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:3-10)
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- Why did Felix and his wife want to sit and chat so many times with Paul, do you think?
- Why are we so wooed by earthly powers, so prone to see them as godly even when they are acting in opposition to Jesus?
- In what ways do our own “earthly powers” ask us to live in opposition to Jesus and Jesus’ “Way”?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, June 13: Deuteronomy 18; Psalm 105
- Saturday, June 14: Deuteronomy 19; Psalm 106
- Sunday, June 15: Deuteronomy 20; Psalm 107