24:22-24
Knowledge of “the Way” had obviously become quite widespread, and Felix knew quite a lot about it. Paul was effectively put under some form of “house arrest”, ie he was held captive, but was given a degree of freedom.
Felix had a Jewish wife, though he was not Jewish himself. Maybe it was through his wife that he got his knowledge of the Way. Felix had actually caused Drusilla’s divorce from her first husband. Felix sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Christ. So Paul was talking to leaders about Christ.
24:25-27
Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and judgement. These topics were particularly relevant to Felix, given his somewhat dubious reputation. When Christian leaders today speak to those in authority, do they speak about “righteousness, self-control and judgement”? This made Felix afraid, Paul was literally putting the fear of God in him. This is how it should be when Christians speak to those in power. We are not there to babble platitudes. So Felix sent Paul away. What was he expecting to hear? This went on for two years. However, Felix was not changed, demonstrated by the fact that he was hoping for a bribe! Felix remained a corrupt ruler, and this led to Paul being kept in prison, even though there was no just cause.
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