We have decisions to make every day. Sometimes we know the right thing to do, but there may come the temptation not to do it!
Here we find a man’s terrible mistake of not doing what he knew to be right. Watch that you don’t make the same mistake.
Felix, the Roman Governor, had Paul on trial, accused of starting riots, and defiling the Temple in Jerusalem. (Acts 24:5.)
Paul told Felix he had gone to Jerusalem to take a gift of money to his own people. (Romans 15:25-26.) While there he had gone along to the Temple, without any crowd or disorder. (verses 17-18.) But, while Paul was in the Temple, the Jews stirred up the riot against him. They hated him, because of his preaching about Jesus. They had crucified Jesus some years earlier, but Paul taught that Jesus arose from the dead. (Acts 13:26-41.)
Paul said to Felix that his accusers should “state what crime they found in him … It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.” (verses 20-21.)
You see, the Jews would not believe that Jesus had risen again from the dead, to become the one and only Way to God. (Acts 4:10-12.) Nor that Jesus’ death could have satisfied God as the payment for all sin. (1stJohn 2:1-2. Romans 3:21-26.) They wanted this preacher silenced, for teaching that Jesus was the Way. (John 14:6.)
“Felix … was well acquainted with the Way.” So, he brought the hearing to a close. (verse 22.) He would decide Paul’s case some other time.
“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. 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.’” (verses 24-25.)
“He was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe … and because he wanted to grant a favour to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.” (verses 26-27.)
Foolish Felix put off doing what was right, because he saw a chance to increase in riches and popularity.
Because he longed for riches and popularity, he made an even greater mistake. He was not willing to believe and obey the Gospel of God. (John 3:16-19.) He did not want to leave his sinful ways, and ask Jesus Christ to forgive his sins, and change his life. (2ndCorinthians 5:17.)
Maybe YOU have, or hope for, some improper riches and popularity that you know would not have God’s approval. Is something like that keeping you from doing what you know is right? (Mark 8:36-38.) You KNOW you should be wanting God’s true forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, and the resulting friendship with God, and with all who truly love Him.
DON'T YOU PUT OFF OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST!
Read Acts chapter 24, verses 17 to 27.
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