Paul preaches to Felix about the Christian life. And Felix has this reaction. He’s afraid! He’s scared of all this means and what this may look like. It reminds me of the quote about Aslan from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Is he (Aslan, the Christ figure) safe? No, but he is good. Jesus is not always safe. He may scare us and call us into the things that frighten us. But we can be assured of this fact, this truth. He is always, always, always good. We know that. He is always good.

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Good morning, and I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It’s great to be back together on this Monday as we delve into the Book of Acts. Today, we’ll continue our journey with Acts chapter 24, specifically verses 24 through 27.

In this passage, we see the continuation of Paul’s interactions with Felix, the Roman governor, who had been intrigued by Paul’s teachings. Felix’s wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, also joins the conversation as Paul speaks about faith in Christ Jesus, justice, self-control, and the coming judgment. However, as Paul delves into these topics, Felix becomes frightened. He decides to dismiss Paul for the time being but hopes that money can be obtained from him, leading to frequent conversations.

After two years have passed, Felix is succeeded by Porcius Festus, who wanted to grant the Jews a favor. Despite his curiosity about Paul, Felix leaves him in prison.

Paul’s discussion with Felix touches on important aspects of the Christian faith. Justice, self-control, and the coming judgment are central themes. Justice involves living in a just and righteous way, caring for the marginalized, and upholding moral values. Self-control is emphasized as a fruit of the Spirit, helping believers lead disciplined lives.

The concept of the coming judgment reminds us of the need to be accountable for our actions and live in light of the final reckoning. Paul’s teaching on these subjects is both challenging and enlightening.

Felix’s reaction to Paul’s message is intriguing. He becomes frightened, and instead of fully embracing the message, he dismisses Paul, hoping for a bribe. This reaction reflects the tension between the gospel’s demands and the comforts and desires of the world. It’s a reminder that the message of Christ can evoke fear and discomfort in those who encounter it.

As we contemplate the demands of the gospel and the challenges it presents, it’s essential to remember that Jesus is both good and sovereign. He may call us to difficult paths, but He goes with us and empowers us to fulfill His purposes. Even when the demands of the gospel appear intimidating, we can trust in the goodness of Christ.

Today, you might be faced with the challenging demands of the gospel. You might feel fear or discomfort in response to these demands. In those moments, remember that Jesus is with you, and He is good. He will never call you to something without providing the strength and guidance you need to follow through.

We’ll continue our exploration of Acts tomorrow with chapter 25. Thank you for joining us today, and I hope you have a great day.