BRUCE C WEARNE, in his series on Acts, looks at a passage describing the time Paul spent in the custody of Governor Felix…
But Felix, even with his somewhat more accurate knowledge of this emerging trend [the Way], postponed any action, putting them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down here, I will decide your case.” He then ordered the centurion to keep him in custody with some liberty, and that none of his friends be prevented from attending to his needs. After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess; and, sending for Paul, heard him speak upon faith in Christ Jesus. As he expounded [the Scriptures] in terms of justice and self-control and future judgment, Felix became alarmed saying, “Go, [that is sufficient] for the present. When I have opportunity, I will summon you.” All along he was hoping Paul would pay him money. That was why he regularly sent for him for conversation. And so, two years elapsed with Felix succeeded by Porcius Festus; and meanwhile Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favour, saw to it that Paul remained in custody. – Acts 24:22-27/transliteration by Bruce C Wearne
IN JAIL: Paul spent two years as a prisoner of Governor Felix in Caesarea. PICTURE: FCL1971/freeimages.com
IN A NUTSHELL
The corrupt Felix knew about Jesus. He would not confirm the Jewish plot against Paul but neither would he release Paul from prison. There Paul stayed for two years.
Felix probably already knew about “the Way” from his wife, a Jewish woman. Her father had executed James, the brother of John. He had also imprisoned Peter. If he needed any reminding, Drusilla could remind her husband about Jesus and His disciples. Felix showed no genuine interest in Paul’s teaching. Paul explained faith in Jesus Christ and explained how this world relates to God’s Kingdom.
Luke tells us how Paul presented a case about justice, self-control and the future when God’s judgment is sure to be handed down. We might say that Paul explained a “Christian worldview” to the Roman Governor. But Luke also tells us that this alarmed Felix. Paul was evidently trying to help Felix understand the difficulties faced by his administration. But Felix used Paul as a diversion, as entertainment.
We could also ask: when did Lysias get summoned to Caesarea to report on what he knew of the case? Luke is telling us that Felix was not really wanting a just and true resolution of this problem.
But as we read this we have to be careful not to misinterpret what Luke is telling us. Clearly, Felix had many issues on his agenda and though we might say that God had given Felix a wonderful opportunity to hear about His grace and forgiveness, we should not too readily assume that Paul’s tenure in prison was the most important matter for Felix.
For instance, there may have been many other insurrectionists incarcerated in Caesarea. How many? We do not know. We do know there were ongoing communal and ethnic tensions. Luke doesn’t tell us about these directly, although he tell us that Felix’s tenure at Caesarea would shortly come to an end.
Felix had kept Paul in prison even though he was clearly innocent of the charges that had been brought against him.
Luke also tells us that Felix felt alarmed at Paul’s teaching of what Israel’s Messiah required of governors. Nevertheless, he still expected Paul, or his friends, to arrange a bribe. Luke’s account is an exposé of provincial corruption. Felix used Paul, as his father-in-law had used Peter; he was a useful pawn in his effort to placate powerful lobbies. Felix wanted to exploit Paul to his advantage, but before Lysias had been summoned to Caesarea, he was recalled. Festus took over administration of the province.
OPEN BOOK – HINTS FROM THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS: AT THE GOVERNOR’S PLEASURE
BRUCE C WEARNE, in his series on Acts, looks at a passage describing the time Paul spent in the custody of Governor Felix…
But Felix, even with his somewhat more accurate knowledge of this emerging trend [the Way], postponed any action, putting them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down here, I will decide your case.” He then ordered the centurion to keep him in custody with some liberty, and that none of his friends be prevented from attending to his needs. After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess; and, sending for Paul, heard him speak upon faith in Christ Jesus. As he expounded [the Scriptures] in terms of justice and self-control and future judgment, Felix became alarmed saying, “Go, [that is sufficient] for the present. When I have opportunity, I will summon you.” All along he was hoping Paul would pay him money. That was why he regularly sent for him for conversation. And so, two years elapsed with Felix succeeded by Porcius Festus; and meanwhile Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favour, saw to it that Paul remained in custody. – Acts 24:22-27/transliteration by Bruce C Wearne
IN JAIL: Paul spent two years as a prisoner of Governor Felix in Caesarea. PICTURE: FCL1971/freeimages.com
IN A NUTSHELL
The corrupt Felix knew about Jesus. He would not confirm the Jewish plot against Paul but neither would he release Paul from prison. There Paul stayed for two years.
Felix probably already knew about “the Way” from his wife, a Jewish woman. Her father had executed James, the brother of John. He had also imprisoned Peter. If he needed any reminding, Drusilla could remind her husband about Jesus and His disciples. Felix showed no genuine interest in Paul’s teaching. Paul explained faith in Jesus Christ and explained how this world relates to God’s Kingdom.
Luke tells us how Paul presented a case about justice, self-control and the future when God’s judgment is sure to be handed down. We might say that Paul explained a “Christian worldview” to the Roman Governor. But Luke also tells us that this alarmed Felix. Paul was evidently trying to help Felix understand the difficulties faced by his administration. But Felix used Paul as a diversion, as entertainment.
We could also ask: when did Lysias get summoned to Caesarea to report on what he knew of the case? Luke is telling us that Felix was not really wanting a just and true resolution of this problem.
But as we read this we have to be careful not to misinterpret what Luke is telling us. Clearly, Felix had many issues on his agenda and though we might say that God had given Felix a wonderful opportunity to hear about His grace and forgiveness, we should not too readily assume that Paul’s tenure in prison was the most important matter for Felix.
For instance, there may have been many other insurrectionists incarcerated in Caesarea. How many? We do not know. We do know there were ongoing communal and ethnic tensions. Luke doesn’t tell us about these directly, although he tell us that Felix’s tenure at Caesarea would shortly come to an end.
Felix had kept Paul in prison even though he was clearly innocent of the charges that had been brought against him.
Luke also tells us that Felix felt alarmed at Paul’s teaching of what Israel’s Messiah required of governors. Nevertheless, he still expected Paul, or his friends, to arrange a bribe. Luke’s account is an exposé of provincial corruption. Felix used Paul, as his father-in-law had used Peter; he was a useful pawn in his effort to placate powerful lobbies. Felix wanted to exploit Paul to his advantage, but before Lysias had been summoned to Caesarea, he was recalled. Festus took over administration of the province.
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