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.” Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 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.” At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favour, Felix left Paul in prison.
Comment: What do we see in this brief passage?
- Felix made a very gentle, almost ‘non’, decision. He procrastinated and failed to make up his mind. He placed Paul under house arrest, in the care of the centurion.
- Felix was married to a Jewess. He brought her, Drusilla, into ‘private’ meetings with Paul which appear to be less to do with judgement and more to hearing the message of Jesus more completely.
- Felix had mixed motives – he wasn’t against bribery. Whilst apparently keen to hear Paul’s message, it says that he was desirous of doing the Jews favour, maybe for his wife’s sake.
Prayer: Lord, help me to share Your Gospel wherever, whenever, I can!
As I read it! 