Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”
Acts 24:25

Paul stood for trial before the Roman Governor of Judea, Felix. As always, Paul seized even his trial as an opportunity to proclaim Christ. The result in Felix’s heart was fear, followed by postponement. The gospel troubled him, but because he was not willing to bend the knee to Christ. He said he would deal with it later—later when it is convenient. We all know what usually happens to later: it never arrives. And as for convenience, when is it convenient to renounce self to follow Jesus? Never.

What happened to Felix’s later at a more convenient time? Paul was all but forgotten in prison for two years!

When Felix was on his way out, and Festus was on his way in, Paul’s unsettled case came up again. Festus, along with Agrippa and Agrippa’s wife, Bernice, ended up hearing Paul’s case and once again Paul proclaimed the gospel.

What happened to Felix? He is referred to in Acts 25:14, but he had already departed, and we can assume that he never again considered the gospel—at least not in a way that resulted in salvation.

Be encouraged, Christian. As you share Christ, even though some may be convicted, not all will surrender. Do not be discouraged when people’s response is, “later when it is more convenient.” Whenever the next opportunity arrives, be like Paul: proclaim Christ again, to whomever will listen.