There's an interesting story in Acts 24. Paul is on trial before the Roman governor, Felix. The text says, "But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, 'When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case'" (Acts 24:22). Interesting that Felix had "rather accurate knowledge" of the early Christian faith.
So they brought Paul before Felix and his wife, a Jewess named Drusilla (Acts 24:24). Mind you, Felix was not a nice guy, but he had this knowledge, so "he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus" (Acts 24:24). What did Paul present? We don't get the words, but we get the content. "And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, 'Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you'” (Acts 24:25). Three things: righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. That is what Paul chose to present to Felix on faith in Christ Jesus.
Notice the sequence. "Righteousness." "This is the way; walk in it." He told Felix about what was required. "Self-control." "How are you doing with that righteousness, Felix? How is your self-control?" And, finally, "the coming judgment." "Here's what's right, here's how well you're doing (or, rather, not doing), so you need to be concerned about ... judgment." Felix didn't merely blow it off. "Don't worry. I'm a good enough fellow. Besides, how bad can it be?" He didn't question his self-control or even deny the coming judgment. What he did do ... is get scared. That is, the sheer clarity and correctness of the message hit home.
It said Felix had "accurate knowledge." Clearly, that knowledge, though accurate, was not any more than surface level. Faced with the real story, Felix got alarmed. Seeing the truth of "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth" (Rom 1:18), Felix bolted and ran. He never changed in the text. He never repented. He kept Paul in prison as "a favor to the Jews" for two years. Felix demonstrated an understanding that was accurate but shallow, and it wasn't enough to save. How do we deflect the truth we have when we're overcome with God's Word?
5 comments:
We have the easiest time lieing to ourselves.
“How do we deflect the truth we have when we're overcome with God's Word?” It occurs to me that each of us who knows Christ now had, at one point in our past, been confronted with the very same truth that troubled Felix. Perhaps we too were inclined to bolt (and maybe we even did so previously). Through the Holy Spirit’s effectual call, we were led to submit our hearts and minds and receive the truth that will save us. Then, that process continues throughout our spiritual journey, as we renew our minds and conform our lives to God’s Word. “And the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Praise God!
We lie to ourselves easily indeed, but spelling "lying" isn't so easy.
I am reminded that both faith (Php 1:29; Rom 12:3) and repentance (2 Tim 2:25) are gifts from the Holy Spirit. We do indeed count on Him. I was thinking , though, of believers who read what Scripture says and say, "No, it can't mean that." primarily because they don't want it to.
That's because English is a lot harder to understand than theology.
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