Acts 24:17-27
17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ”
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.
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.
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. [1]
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I am glad to return to the Abide devotion today after an absence of several weeks which away for my father’s passing and to be with family. We resume in Acts with Paul’s defense before Governor Felix.
What strikes me in today’s passage is the word “convenient.” Felix decided he had had enough of Paul’s witnessing and teaching and sent him away, until he finds it “convenient” to continue the discussion. Paul apparently was getting into topics that made Felix afraid. No doubt the word of God, and the Spirit through the Word, were convicting Felix and pointing out to him the error of his ways and the need for a change.
But such a change was not deemed “convenient” at this time by Felix, so he sent Paul away.
Paul has a very different take on “convenient.” His call to be a witness is not about convenience, but simply a matter of whether he’s breathing. Despite all that Paul had been through, here he is witnessing to the Roman Governor. He can’t stop doing it. And note that his message doesn’t appear to be toned down one ounce in order to save his skin. While the governor was hoping for a bribe, Paul was hoping for the governor’s conversion. It would have been inconvenient to irritate the governor in Paul’s position. But that didn’t matter. He was called to follow Christ and he would do that no matter the circumstance.
Is my walk with Christ shaped by my call, or by convenience? Do I put God’s call off, do I delay responding the Spirit’s leading, because I find it inconvenient? Do I put off changes in my life that God wants me to make? Do I delay spending time in the Word? Changing my schedule or budget? Do I make excuses to put off witnessing to a neighbor or friend, or helping someone in need?
Today’s passage reminds me that living as a disciples of Christ isn’t about what is convenient, but rather what is God calling me to do. My prayer is that I may respond to God’s call and leading, whether it is convenient or not.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Ac 24:17–27). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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