July 7
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FELIX AVOIDS TRUTH PRESENTED BY PAUL
A poem by ILMA
Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the elders and Tertullus, the lawyer
He was to present their case against Paul to the governor and this is how he started
“We have found this man to be a troublemaker who’s always stirring up riots”
He is a ringleader of the Nazarenes and was trying to desecrate the Temple.
Tertullus told the governor to confirm what he said and the Jews seconded
Paul started to speak after motioned to, “I am glad to present my defense before you
I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple
He said that his accusers cannot prove the things they accuse him off.
Paul admitted that he followed the Way, which they called a cult
He added he believed in God and that he has the same hope these men had
At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing
“Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.”
He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom
He was allowed friends to visit and take care of his needs
Paul preached about the coming judgment to Felix and Druscilla, his wife
Felix was frightened and told Paul to leave and come back when it’s convenient.
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MEMORY VERSE
Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”– Acts 24:25
Read: Acts 24
What an interesting way Felix reacted to hearing the truth from Paul. He told him to go and he’ll call for him again when it is more convenient. Don’t many people do this all the time? When things are uncomfortable and we hear the truth, we run away from it or deny it.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people think that running is a better option than facing truth?
• What was the Jewish leaders accusations to Paul?