THE LIVING CHURCH
Meditations in the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 24:1-27

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PAUL'S trial before Felix is really a travesty of justice. A hearing takes place. The Jews have no real evidence to offer. They ignore altogether the specific event where Paul was attacked and accused in the temple. Their accusations are all of a general kind with no specifics. Paul's evidence in defence is open and specific. Felix adjourns the proceedings under the pretence of consulting Lysias, the commander who had brought Paul to Felix, but it is plain from verses 26 and 27 Felix was not moved by justice, but hoping to receive a bribe from Paul and wanting to please the Jews. The result was that Paul was kept in captivity for two years (v.27).

Paul's example in such trial is so good. He is open and faithful. He tells the facts as they were, and was content for them to be examined impartially. He was faithful to Christ in that he was faithful in testifying to the Gospel. He says openly that he follows Christ, and that he believes in the resurrection Christ won for his believing people. He did not go out of his way to trap his enemies. He did not try influence Felix by smooth words like the lawyer, Tertullus. He was not ashamed of Christ, his Lord and Saviour. He plainly put his trust in the Lord instead of trusting in worldly and human devices.

When in trouble like Paul was here, we often resort to human means like Abraham seeking to make God's promise come true by having a child by Hagar, his wife's slave woman. It is so hard for us to wait for God's time and trust in his unfailing and loving purpose. Yet Paul's example is one we should seek to follow, and by God's grace we will be able to do so.

What was Paul's support and strength during this long period of false arrest? No doubt the word of God to him. God had told him not to be afraid because God's purpose was for him to be taken to Rome. In this word Paul rested in faith. He was not going to act himself in any way unless he was sure that God wanted him to act. God had implied that Paul would be taken to Rome, so Paul rested in that word and assurance. Perhaps he had his moments of frustrations and depression, but he trusted at the heart in the word of God to him.

The Word of God is the place we must go for support and strength in times of trial and difficulty, prayerfully reading and meditating on God's word, so that we may hear God speaking to us as the Holy Spirit makes the bible come alive to us.

Then let us notice Paul did not just waste his time or give up. Felix came to see him several times and talked to Paul. Paul never let these opportunities slip. He spoke to Felix about righteousness, self-control and judgement to come (v.25). In other words Paul sought to preach the Gospel and teach God's Word as he was able. No doubt he cared for the church in Caesarea through sending words of instruction and encouragement through the believers who were visiting him in his prison.

Trials and troubles are no excuse for giving up and doing nothing. Like Paul we must wait on the Lord for his deliverance or answer, but at the same time go on with life as it is for us, and be faithful in taking up every opportunity to witness for Christ.

The effect of Paul's preaching on Felix recorded in verse 25 is most interesting and instructive. Evidently Paul's preaching had an effect. Felix became frightened. God spoke to him making him frightened. By this he acknowledged the truth of God Paul spoke of to him, but he did not want to receive it or change his life, and instead of surrendering to Christ, he ran away from Christ. How great is the power of our fleshly desires! For his pleasure, in time, Felix was willing to risk his immortal soul. Instead of crying like the Philippian jailor 'what must I do to be saved', Felix ran away. How sad and tragic this is. Like Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal, so people are willing to sell eternal happiness for temporary excitement or possessions.