Project 119: Acts 24
| Project 119 | Amy Hirsch
Sometimes in stories, narrators give us very clear-cut character profiles. They use adjectives and descriptive phrases to come out and tell us what kind of people we are reading about. But sometimes, authors give us a character profile that requires a bit of research. We have to look at the context clues and the character’s actions (or often, inactions), to determine what kind of person he or she might be.
I think this is the case with Felix in Acts 24. Luke is never straightforward enough to give us a description of his character, but through our context clues and his interactions with Paul, we’re able to learn a good deal about Felix. In fact, we even learn a lot about him in verses 2-3 as Tertullus, the “spokesman” for the Jews, began laying out the case against with Paul with what my grandfather would call “a load of hogwash.” He flattered Felix, alleging that under his rule, the Jews had enjoyed peace and an era of reforms. Apparently this was mere ear-tickling; Felix wasn’t a just leader, and he was especially hated by the Jews. He often took bribes and was known for crucifying leaders of revolts and killing their followers. “Peaceful” wouldn’t be the word to describe his rule.
After Paul appealed to him, Felix determined to leave him in custody and that he would eventually decide his case after hearing from the tribune, Lysias (even though Lysias had already provided his own testimony of the events in the letter recorded in Acts 23:26-30). We also meet Felix’s wife, Drusilla, and apparently their marriage was something of a scandal. No wonder Felix responded with terror and alarm when they began meeting with Paul and heard him reason “about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment” (Acts 24:25). No doubt Felix felt conviction for his sin; but rather than repenting, notice what we learn about him in verse 26. He sent Paul away from him but kept him in custody for two years, in hopes that Paul might bribe him with money in exchange for his release.
Here is a man who was so close—who had the mirror of truth held up to his heart and saw his sin—and here is a man who chose to reject the truth of the gospel and to believe the lie, to continue to trust in his own self-sufficiency. And lest we boast, we too could be Felix, if not for the grace at work in our hearts. Oh Lord, thank You for the opportunity to see our brokenness and our sin; help us not to turn away in disbelief or horror, but rather, help us turn our hearts to You, recognizing that You alone are sufficient for our salvation.
Acts 24 (ESV):
And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detainyou no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”
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.