Acts 24:22-27 provides the context for this lesson where Paul preached to Felix, the governor over Judea at that time. After “reasoning” with Felix about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Luke records that Felix (depending on your translation) trembled or was alarmed. Despite this reaction, he failed to do anything about the reason why he was afraid! Why didn’t this fear compel him to change his ways and repent? Instead, he sent Paul away, waiting for a more “convenient time” to address these important spiritual matters. If the gospel makes us tremble, what do we do about it?!?
- Acts 24:22-27
- Paul arrested and given opportunity to defend himself—preaches to Roman authorities, Felix, Festus, Agrippa
- V. 22 – Postponed hearing
- V. 24 – Eventually sent for Paul and listened until he was afraid (trembled)
- Righteousness
- 1 Cor. 15:34 – awake to righteousness!
- Eph. 6:14 – put on breastplate of righteousness
- 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22 – pursue it
- 1 Jn. 2:29; 3:7 – God is righteous; we must practice righteousness
- Rom. 1:16-17 – righteousness of God revealed in gospel
- Self-control
- Master passions and desires of physical body
- Not popular concept to teach today!
- Felix – cruel ruler, took bribes, adulterous marriage…
- Gal. 5:23 – one of fruits of the Spirit
- 2 Pet. 1:5-9 – Quality we must add to our faith
- 1 Cor. 9:25 – Athletes exercise self-control (see bulletin)
- Master passions and desires of physical body
- Judgment to come
- Acts 17:31 – Judgment is coming
- Acts 1:7 – No one knows when
- 2 Cor. 5:10 – All must appear
- 2 Ths. 1:7-8 – Vengeance on those who don’t know God and didn’t obey gospel
- Heb. 9:27 – one life, then judgment
- Felix scared, put Paul off again until a “more convenient time” which never appears to come…
- Contrast with Philippian jailer – Acts 16:33