Good Sunday May twenty fourth as we come to learn God’s word to grow in our faith.
Paul reasons with Felix and Drusilla –
The governor over the region a man who has witnessed the customs and nature of the group The Way, after hearing Paul ‘s defense and Tertullus charges against Paul, Felix says I want Lysias to come down so I may hear his testimony. Although the Jewish leaders had a political agreement with the Roman government they really did not like each other. For an authority of Rome they were asked to keep the peace and not let the Jews get out of control, so in order to do this many compromises were made to keep them happy and here placing Paul in custody was that compromise. But Felix who Luke says is familiar with the Christians in Judea after hearing the charges has questions as the charges just do not line up with the character witness of believers. Romans 14:19 “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The believers in Judea had witnessed before Felix this character and he questions the charges against Paul. Let’s read together from Acts 24:24-27 “And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.” Felix asks Paul again to come and share his faith but this time he also brings with him his wife Drusilla. Drusilla is Felix’s third wife being a Jewess, the daughter of Herod Agrippa. Drusilla was around eighteen and married but divorced to be with Felix,. Now Drusilla’s heritage was as follows, her father was the Agrippa who was eaten by worms. Acts 12:22-23 “They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” Her great grandfather was Herod the great who wanted the baby Jesus killed. Matthew 2:16 “ When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” Her uncle was the Herod that had John the Baptist killed. Matthew 14:9-10“The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.” She now with her husband wants to hear Paul teach about his faith. Luke says something here that is really important, Felix wants Paul to bribe him for his release. Why not make money and please the Jews at the same time. Felix over a two year period had called Paul to share but Luke says he never changed his heart or mind and was replaced. Have you heard have you listened? Remnant
