A Tough Nut to Crack; Acts 23-25

May the mumbling commence!

Christians are not to operate as the rest of the world does.  Truth and faith and obedience and love rule the life of Christians.  These precepts guide the Christian – not self-preservation or deception.  Read about the relationship between Paul and Felix from Acts chapter twenty-four:

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

Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.  As Paul discoursed on 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."  At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 

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. (Verses 22-27)

Paul spoke to Festus about righteousness, self-control and judgment.  That probably seemed comical to Festus.  Festus held all the power in this situation – except Festus did not know the power of the living God.  Still Festus was overcome by fear.  This Paul was a difficult nut to crack. 

Felix probably thought that Paul’s manner was simply a façade.  Festus called for Paul frequently in hopes of receiving a bribe from Paul.  He was often disappointed.

So Felix extended favor to those who brought him into prison – the Jews.  Paul remained in prison even after Felix’s reign ended.  No money, no freedom!

Paul knew that he did not need to buy his freedom.  Paul knew that through Christ his freedom was already bought and paid for.  Paul operated under this knowledge.  He did not act as the world would have thought him to act.

May we join with Paul and many other Christian pillars of the past and present.  May we reject the ways of the world and take up the Way of Christ – self-denial, love, faith and obedience.  These things will guide us to the truth of the Holy Spirit of God.

May we be tough nuts to crack!

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out