September 26, 2023

The Bible Edge

Acts 24:26

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

Felix is the man spoken of in this verse. In him we see a man that on one hand trembled at the truth that was preached by the Apostle Paul, and on the other hand we see a man that wanted money for Paul’s release. In the verses just before this one Felix, the cruel governor of Judea, it is stated that he heard about the faith, and Christ, of righteousness, temperance and judgment. Upon hearing these things he stated those immortal words …when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts 24:25) Such words have doomed multitudes to the ultimate lake of fire, no doubt. Ask any preacher, any soulwinner if they have examples of individuals saying something like this; it happens all the time.

Those were the last words of Felix that are recorded in the Bible. He had a conflict. His soul was in turmoil. Did he ever accept the gospel as preached by Paul? We don’t know. Having heard his “convenient season” statement mentioned many times in messages, it cannot be recalled that any preacher ever gave him any hope of ever finding that season. Yet, in today’s verse it is said that Felix …sent for him the oftener… Perhaps in one of these discussions Felix accepted the truth of Christ and His gospel. We can’t prove that he did, but no one can prove that he didn’t.

Someone may say, “If Felix received Christ he would have released Paul.” Not necessarily. After all, the Philippian jailer was saved in Acts 16 through the preaching of Paul, but did not release him from jail. Like Felix, the jailer was a public servant who had a job to do and he did it even though it may not have been what he personally wanted. In Felix’s case, he too was a public servant, yes he had authority but others had more. He was in a political bind. Paul was held for two years. A lot can happen in two years. As always attempting to give others the benefit of the doubt, Felix may have found that “convenient season.” One thing is sure. In eternity it will be known. I for one hope he is there just like I hope all will be.

But many will not be. They may have the conflict of trembling at the truth, but also hoping for money, fame, fun, popularity, or any number of things that folks seem to stumble over and choose rather than receiving the old-fashioned Gospel.

I hope Felix found time to receive Christ. After all, “Eternity is too long to be wrong.”

William T. Howe, Ph.D.