Paul Witnesses to Felix and Drusilla - Acts 24

²² Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” ²³ 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.

Paul is in prison, but he is given a lot of liberties.  Felix wanted to hear more about the Way.  The Jewish position was very non-compelling to Felix and since they brought up the commander Lysias, he would hear from him.  I don’t know if Felix ever talked to Lysias because Felix never decided on Paul’s case.  Felix should have freed Paul because there is no proof he has broken a Roman law.  But Felix is a politician and he wants peace in his region.

History writes that Felix was a freed slave.  He had forged his way to the front through cruelty and brutality.  The Roman historian, Tacitus, says that Felix “through all cruelty and licentiousness he exercised the authority of a king with the spirit of a slave.”  He as a brutal person who enjoyed great pleasures.

Drusilla, his wife, was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I.  Her father killed James as is recorded in Acts 12.  Her great uncle killed John the Baptist and her great grandfather tried to kill the Lord Jesus Christ.  (per J. Vernon McGee commentary)

This is the judge for Paul.

²⁴ 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. ²⁵ 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.” ²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

Paul is now witnessing to those in regional authority.  He has access to the those with the most power in that region.  He is also witnessing to someone who has interest in this Way.  Somehow, a seed has been planted in their life so they want to hear more.

Why does teaching about righteousness, self-control and judgment scare people?  Because everyone knows they aren’t righteous, they don’t have self-control, and a judgment could be true!  Felix and Drusilla get a personal witness from Paul about Jesus.  This is an amazing demonstration of God’s grace to provide this opportunity to them. 

Felix postpones his decision to believe in Jesus for a more “convenient time”.  It should be noted that there is never a convenient time for sinners to believe.  “Today is the day of salvation.” Unfortunately, he cannot let go of the world of politics and there is no mention of Felix believing.

²⁷ 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.

Two years.  And we think our court system is slow.  Two years in prison “as a favor” to the Jews.  How would you like to be in prison as a favor for someone else for nothing more than believing and preaching about Jesus?  The real question is, would you be willing to do that for your Lord?