Being found by the One we were not seeking

…at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Acts 26:13-15

Paul’s conversion experience was admittedly more dramatic than most. But here is one thing about his that is like many of ours. He was going about his business, not looking to have any sort of encounter with Christ—much less a converting encounter!

Paul’s “business” was persecuting Christians. Thankfully, few, if any of us, were engaged in the business of actively persecuting Christians as Paul was. Most of us, however, were living our lives with either little or no thought of Christ, or worse, we had just enough religion to think we needed no more than what we had. But as the Lord did in Paul’s life, He intervened in ours. He found us when we were not seeking Him! And that is biblical:

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none to seeks after God.” Romans 3:10-11

Or as Paul says in Romans 10:21 (quoting Isaiah 65:1):

But Isaiah is very bold and says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.”

Yes, there are those who were “seeking the Lord” before they were saved, but unless the Bible is wrong (and it is not!) the only reason anyone ever even seems to be seeking the Lord is that the Lord was already at work, seeking that person.

• Praise God that you were not a persecutor of Christ and His Church as Paul was.

• Rejoice in that when we were not seeking Him, He found us.

• And let us be encouraged regarding the salvation of lost loved ones who have no interest in Him. He will save His people, often when they are tending to their own business with little or no thought of Him!

We were all sinners before receiving Christ

"Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. Acts 26:9-11

While our testimonies are not a chance to revel in our past sinful life styles, it is important that we acknowledge that coming to Christ includes acknowledging that before we trusted in Christ, we were lost in sin and deserving of God’s judgment.

Again, we do not need to have been notorious sinners. It is a wonderful testimony when a person does not remember a day when one did not know of and believe in Jesus. This is the encouraging testimony of one who has been raised in a Christian home and has not gone off into the world to follow a lifestyle of sin. But even in these testimonies, one must acknowledge that there was a time when he or she was born again and came to understand that he or she needed a Savior.

Paul had been a great sinner. He had been a persecutor of Christ’s people, His Church. Thankfully not all people are as radical in their sin! But why is our sinfulness (to whatever degree) important to acknowledge? A testimony like Paul’s helps those who think they are too sinful to understand that no one is too sinful to be saved. Conversely, the testimony of one who was not a radical sinner encourages those who don’t think they are so bad that they need Christ because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and are therefore in need of Christ the Savior.

How many testimonies present a false gospel

Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
Acts 26:8

We are also reminded by Paul’s testimony before Agrippa II that the death and resurrection of Christ are essential components of any gospel presentation. Without the resurrection, Paul argued (1 Corinthians 15:14-19) that our preaching is vain, our faith is in vain, and we are dead in our sins. And of course without a death, there is no resurrection, so the two go hand in hand.

Though one need not understand every theological nuance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in order to be saved, the basic reality of Christ’s death and resurrection is essential for salvation. Consider Romans 10:9-10.

…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

By this we can see that faith in Christ necessarily includes believing that Jesus died and rose to save His people from our sins. Sadly, all too often this essential detail is neglected in favor of a false gospel that merely invites people “accept Jesus into our hearts so we can be happier and have better, more purposeful lives.”

I bring this up not merely to remind us to include the death and resurrection of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins in our testimonies, but also to challenge us all to examine our own faith in Christ. Are you believing in a Jesus who merely takes away our troubles, or the one and only Jesus who takes away our sins? The answer to that question matters!

Testimonies and the gospel

"My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Acts 26:4-7

After addressing Agrippa ever so respectfully, Paul began his message with a bit of biographical background. We Christians refer to this as giving “our testimony.”

Our testimonies are an important part of what we have to say about Jesus. But our testimonies are often devoid of the gospel itself. The gospel is the most important part of what we have to say about Jesus. It is the gospel that is “the power of God to salvation,” not our testimonies. Our story of what Jesus has done in and for us is important for two reasons, however.

First, it is a bridge to gain a hearing. People may not be eager to hear about the gospel, but they are more likely to hear about “something really important” to you, espeically if they know you. Of course if you only tell them your story without including the gospel, your story is of no spiritual avail. So incorprate the gospel into your story by saying something like this:

“It was at that time that I understood that I am a sinner and need to have my sins forgiven. And I understood that trusting in Jesus who died on the cross to pay for my sins is the only way to be forgiven. Does that make sense to you?”

Second, our testimonies validate the impact of Christ and the gospel. By sharing your testimony when speaking about Christ, the gospel becomes more than religious facts. Christ and the gospel become personal and real. People with whom we are speaking may not believe, but they cannot refute what happened to you!

So, tell your story about coming to Christ, but be sure to include the gospel!

Paul speaks to Agrippa II, respectfully

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
Acts 26:1-3

Let us be reminded that this assembly before which Paul will now speak is not an official trial. Agrippa II knows that Paul has appealed to Caesar, and giving Paul an opportunity to speak for himself is merely an attempt to get some ideas about what to write to Caesar regarding why they were sending Paul his way.

If there was any other reason for this meeting, it may have been to satisfy Agrippa and Bernice’s curiosity about Paul and this Christian sect of Judaism (as they would have thought it to be). We know from Acts 25:22 that Agrippa was curious to hear Paul preach.

Even Agrippa’s invitation to Paul to speak is unlike a trial. Paul was not asked about the charges against him. He was invited to say whatever he wanted to say on his own behalf. Of course, Paul made a beeline for the gospel!

Paul began speaking with a hand motion. This waving of the arm and hand was a common way that orators in that day began to speak.

We will consider several components of Paul’s presentation to Agrippa in the coming blog posts. For now let’s just consider how respectful Paul was.

Paul was happy to speak to Agrippa. While the Romans were garbed in impressive clothing, Paul was in chains. This did not intimidate Paul who began to speak, as always, as a man on a mission to proclaim Christ and the gospel. Being in chains surely didn’t make Paul happy, but having the opportunity to preach Christ to a person as “important” as Agrippa thrilled Paul!

Paul was complimentary towards Agrippa about his expertise in Jewish ways. Was Paul “buttering Agrippa up?” Not in a disingenuous sort of way. Yes, saying affirming words to people often does help ensure that they will listen more intently. What Paul said about Agrippa’s knowledge was true, and therefore not rank flattery.

We could all learn from this in our snarky, in-your-face culture. Even when we disagree, let us always seek to be agreeable with everyone to whom we speak. Civility, politeness, and just plain good manners are ways in which Christians must speak—especially when representing Christ and the gospel.

Contrasting human and divine justice

Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I also would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," he said, "you shall hear him." So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus' command Paul was brought in. And Festus said: "King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him." Acts 25:22-27

What a contrast there is between human and divine courts!

Notice the pageantry and pomp by the Roman authorities (v.23). Much care and respect was given to these authorities, yet Paul, the spokesman for almighty God, was in chains—not unlike his Savior, Jesus, who is the ultimate Judge who was condemned by the Roman governor, Pilate.

Note that in Festus’ introduction, the Apostle was referred to simply as “this man” (v.24). We are still reading Paul’s words in the Bible, and the Roman dignitaries would have been altogether forgotten except that they are mentioned because of what was happening to him.

Festus correctly stated: (a) Paul’s religious accusers wanted the Apostle dead and (b) there were no legitimate charges (v.24-25).

Note what Festus never mentioned in the rest of the chapter: Justice. Festus was not interested in justice. His interest was in shuffling Paul away and saving face by completing the paperwork satisfactorily. God, the Judge of all the earth, judges the lost justly. His deals with His elect lovingly and mercifully, because Jesus took the justice we deserve, giving us the reward of righteousness that only Jesus deserves.

No human judge or court could ever devise such a perfect plan. Hallelujah!

Irony or Providence?

To them I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.' Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar."
Acts 25:16-21

Festus was recounting to Agrippa II the back story of Paul’s case. Festus was at least astute enough to realize that the case against Paul was of a Jewish religious nature and not a Roman legal matter. His interest was not in justice for the accused, but rather about how he could send Paul to Rome and not end up in trouble himself for sending such a prisoner to Caesar without legitimate legal charges. Instead of seeking justice, he was seeking to pass the buck and spare himself embarrassment.

Note also who was being asked for advice: Herod Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the great. Herod the Great was the one who sought to eliminate the baby Jesus by killing all boys, two years old and under, in and around Bethlehem (Matthew2:16-18). Now years later, his great-grandson, Herod Agrippa II, was involved in the life or death verdict of the Apostle Paul who was on trial for preaching that Jesus was still alive.

These kinds of ironies are all a part of God’s sovereign providence, as is every detail of our lives. Sometimes God’s providence is comfortable and to our liking. Sometimes, not so much! But that all things that happen are by God’s decree, and all things that God decrees will happen. That this is true affords us comfort—especially when God’s providence is uncomfortable. By such providences we are reminded that God has bigger and broader plans than merely our happiness.

When justice is delayed

When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying: "There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him.
Acts 25:14-15

Felix, Festus, and now Agrippa II. The groundless case against Paul had passed through three sets of hands by this time. Over two years had passed. How the wheels of justice can turn ever so slowly! And of course, the longer legal matters drag on, the less likely justice will even be served. How easy it would have been for Paul to lose heart. But God. Paul was ever mindful that the Sovereign over all who exists is in complete control of all things. Yes, even over flawed human legal systems.

Legal matters that are rushed often ignore justice. Emotional haste can often result in the innocent being condemned while the guilty watch in silence. That is not good. On the other end of the spectrum, so called justice systems that take inordinately too long tend to evade justice and passively condemn the accused to prolonged imprisonment without a verdict.

As is often the case, the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle. But regardless, God will have the final word. And as long as we live in this world tainted by injustice of every sort, let us be encouraged that God will judge righteously, at precisely the right time of His choosing.

Who were Agrippa II and "Queen" Bernice?

And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.
Acts 25:13

Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa, who was one of the sons of Herod the Great. When his father died in A.D. 44, Agrippa II was seventeen years old and living in Rome. He had hoped that Emperor Claudius would appoint him to his father’s crown of rulership of Palestine, but Claudius knew that the teenager was not ready for such responsibility. He was granted a much less important position but in time he was given more responsibility. One of Agrippa II’s roles was to appoint the Jewish high priests. He was knowledgeable of the Hebrew Scriptures (Acts 26:27), and was known as an expert in all things Jewish, though he was not personally Jewish religiously.

Who was Bernice? She was not officially Agrippa II’s wife, though she functioned as his queen. She was more properly Agrippa II’s sister. At the tender age of thirteen Bernice married her uncle and remained married for seven years until his death, when she went to live with her unmarried brother, Agrippa II. Roman rumors about the two (though it is unknown how true they were) included that Agrippa II was a homosexual, or that though not married to Bernice, the two lived together in sin as though husband and wife. To counter the rumors that might hurt them politically, Bernice married the king of Cilicia, but quickly deserted him to return to her brother. Agrippa II and Bernice were fiercely loyal to Rome in order to maintain their privileged lifestyles.

Agrippa showed his allegiance to Rome by visiting Festus soon after his arrival in Caesarea.

Agrippa was the last of the Herodian dynasty. He died in A.D. 100, after which Bernice faded from prominence.

How tragic that these sinful people appointed Jewish high priests and were to sit in judgment over the Apostle Paul!

Enter: Agrippa II and Bernice

And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.
Acts 25:13

As a Roman citizen, Paul requested that his case be heard in Rome by Caesar, Festus knew that he had to honor Paul's appeal. But Festus knew that he couldn’t send a prisoner to Rome without some substantial charges, Festus also knew that the charges against Paul were flimsy at best, and completely groundless fabrications as worst. To bother the Roman legal system, not to mention Caesar himself, over nothing would reflect badly on Festus since the charges were of a Jewish religious matter (about which Rome did not care), and had nothing to do with Roman law.

Coincidently (if you believe in such things), King Agrippa II and his “queen” Bernice happened to be in Caesarea. Though not fully Jewish, Agrippa was partly of Jewish descent, so he understood the religion better than did Festus. In addition, Agrippa’s family was well acquainted with Roman government protocols. Festus thought that maybe Agrippa could hear Paul’s case and advise Festus how to proceed.

Before proceeding with Agrippa’s role in Paul’s legal affairs, a few words about Agrippa II and Bernice might be of interest and a bit helpful. We’ll give time to that in the next post.

Why, God?

Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!" Acts 25:12

Paul had been in jail and in court for two years. He was there because of the Jewish religious leaders’ hatred of him, which was in fact hatred of Christ and the gospel. Though the Roman governors in Israel were wearied with the matter, Paul’s religious accusers were no less vitriolic in their demands for Paul’s death than when the whole affair began. They wanted the trial moved from Caesarea to Jerusalem where there was more Jewish animosity against Paul. Remember, their plan was to ambush the transport of prisoner Paul in order to kill him.

Paul wisely asked for the next phase of his trial to be held in Rome before the emperor—which was his legal right as a Roman citizen, and Festus agreed. How sad that Paul could get a fairer trial before a pagan Caesar in Rome than in Jewish Jerusalem!

Why did the Lord allow things to go this way? Why not just cause the local Roman authorities to dismiss the case and let Paul go free? While I cannot say for certain, there are three reasons that God in His providence wanted Paul to go to Rome.

• The rest of the book of Acts tells us of great things that God did through Paul on the way to Rome.

• While imprisoned in Rome, Paul was able to encourage the Roman Christians.

• While still imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote several letters that ended up in our New Testaments. (Thank God for Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon!)

God in His providence does not always do as we would desire, but what He does is always right. May we learn, as Paul had to, to rest in God’s good providence even when it is not what we would have chosen.

Christians in court

But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?" So Paul said, "I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."
Acts 25:9-11

Let us learn the following two lessons:

First, the judge’s obligation is to pursue justice. It is not to do any of the parties “a favor.” So: (1) Let always seek to judge justly. (2) Let us not be surprised when judges are corrupt (yes, that is what doing favors in court is!). And (3) as we vote on a long list of judges in the upcoming election (most of whom we know nothing about) let us pray that those who judge will do so justly.

Second, Paul relied on his privilege as a Roman citizen to ask that his case be brought before Caesar in Rome. Paul was both trusting in the Lord, and using every legal means to seek justice. We need to do both. We must trust in the Lord no matter what, but it is not only not wrong, it is in fact wise to use the available legal means in our quest for justice.

Why is this taking so long?

"Therefore," he [Festus] said, "let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him." And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, while he answered for himself, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all." Acts 25:5-8

Let’s not forget that this court case originated two years earlier. Paul had been imprisoned ever since. Trial followed trial, followed trial. Now before Festus, the gears of justice continued to grind ever so slowly. I doubt that I am the only one, but I grow impatient when things take longer than they should. May the Lord grant us patience when our time table is faster than reality!

Note also that while Paul was in prison waiting needlessly for a verdict on a case that should already have been settled two years earlier, his accusers were ripe and ready to register their charges yet again. Like the devil who ever lives to make accusation, human false accusers seldom tire from whining their accusations. In this case, their accusations were without evidence, and therefore without merit!

The lesson again: When we can do something about injustice, we should do what we can. But when it is our of our hands, we must trust the Lord who is sovereign over all!

When I do not get what I want, may I be thankful I do not get what I deserve!

But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. "Therefore," he said, "let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him." Acts 25:4-5

Though the Jewish religious leaders made their request to move Paul to Jerusalem, Festus denied the request. Caesarea was the seat of the Roman government in Palestine and Paul was to be questioned there. Festus was planning to be there shortly and he planned to preside over the proceedings.

It is of interest that Festus said his intentions were “to see if there is any fault in [Paul]." Think if it. Paul had been imprisoned for over two years and the courts were still unsure if there was enough evidence to determine his guilt or innocence. And that after Paul had already presented testimony demonstrating that the charges were bogus! Human government. At best it is inefficient. At worst it doesn’t care about justice and is corrupt.

My wife once wrote a song stating “there will be no lasting peace until Shiloh comes,” referring to the time when Christ shall return and justice will reign. Until then, part of living in a fallen world means enduring injustice because of sin. Who besides me is glad that Christ’s kingdom, though we do not see it fully realized yet, is a kingdom of perfect justice?

And who besides me is grateful that the justice we deserve for our sins was poured out on Jesus while He was on the cross? While perfect justice will be suffered by the unrepentant who do not trust in Christ, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

We recently experienced a disappointing setback because of governmental imperfection. My solace is that this speedbump is nothing compared to the just wrath of God that I deserve because of my sins—but that Jesus graciously took for me.

Heavenly perspective makes life in this fallen world easier to bear and makes me thankful for God’s grace!

Bitterness, or forgiveness?

Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem--because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. Acts 25:1-3

Let’s not forget that Paul had been imprisoned for a little more than two years—unjustly, based on groundless charges. Felix, the Roman authority, was replaced by Festus as successor. The Jewish religious leaders were still consumed with hatred toward Paul. Their hatred toward Paul was really hatred for Christ Jesus. They “laid out their case against Paul” again! Two years later!

They asked Festus to have Paul moved to Jerusalem where they could be sure that Paul would get an even more unfair trial, while in actuality they still planned to “ambush [and] to kill him on the way.”

Besides the history lesson, there is a great lesson here about hatred and bitterness. It is bad enough that after two years they were still consumed with hatred and bitterness toward Paul (and Christ) if the charges were true. But they weren’t! They had no doubt become true in their minds, since hatred and bitterness don’t depend on truth.

Friends, it is wise when we are confessing our sins (you do that regularly, I trust?) to also ask the Lord to show us who we need to forgive. Besides the fact that if we are not forgiving, we are rather presumptuous to expect the Lord to forgive us. When we are not forgiving, when we are hanging on to hatred and bitterness (whether we were wronged or not), we do ourselves harm—not the other person(s).

As the saying goes, “Bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die as a result.”

Suffering injustice

When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. Acts 24:27

Two years?! That’s right, Paul was imprisoned for two years waiting for justice. Had justice been served, he would have been released because the charges against him were groundless. But alas, governments (and often large organizations) move slowly and are often insensitive to the plights of the individuals they are supposedly serving.

Though it is often hard to understand it, God is still in control. That does not mean that Paul’s extended wrongful imprisonment was according to God’s revealed will concerning justice. What it does mean is that even when people act wrongly, God can and does use even injustice to accomplish His greater plan. Make no mistake about it, those responsible for injustice (or any other wrongdoing) will answer to God for their sin.

What this kind of thing means for those who suffer wrong is that, though we may do what we can working through the proper channels to right the wrong, when we can do nothing, we must trust the Lord. And sometimes we may suffer loss and it may be prolonged.

There is perhaps no more dramatic example of this than the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. Joseph’s brothers did him wrong in a big way. He suffered for many years as a result. But in the end, God used the injustices suffered by Joseph (and there were several), to bring about God’s greater good. Let us remember Joseph’s words to his brothers in Genesis 50:20:

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

So the next time you or I suffer wrong, let us with Christ-like character do what we can to remedy the situation. But whether or not we can work the matter, let us trust that God has plans that may hinge on our dilemmas.

Liking good preaching may mean nothing

Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. Acts 24:26

Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, and ruler of Galilee in Jesus’ day liked to listen to John the Baptist preach (Mark 6:20). Yet when Herod’s stepdaughter asked Herod for John’s head, Herod had John beheaded (Matthew 14:6-12). Apparently, liking good preaching may mean nothing.

In Acts 24, Felix apparently liked talking with the Apostle Paul—while Paul was under arrest and unjustly imprisoned based on groundless charges. Knowing what we know about Paul, it is unlikely that when Felix brought Paul in for “conversation,” that the two jawed about news, weather, and sports. As Paul said, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16-18).

Yet Felix continued to keep Paul imprisoned and eventually shipped Paul off to Rome as a prisoner. Paul was eventually beheaded in Rome.

Is there a lesson to be learned? Enjoying good preaching and conversation about the Lord does not guarantee that one is a child of God. I wonder how many will one day stand before the Lord and say, “Lord, Lord, I liked to listen to preaching,” and will then hear the words, “Depart from Me, I never knew you!”?

It doesn’t matter how much one enjoys good preaching if one fails to trust in Jesus for forgiveness of sin and salvation. The point of preaching is not entertainment or even mental stimulation. If those kinds of interests are why one likes to listen to good preaching, it will end up meaning nothing at all in the day of judgment.

"On the take"

Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. Acts 24:26

Felix was not only disinterested in what Paul had to say about Christ and the Gospel, he was a stereotypical government agent hoping for a bribe. Why would he think Paul had money to pay his way out of legal troubles?

Because “paying for justice” has always been a way out of trouble—for those who can afford it. Jesus spoke about this when He rhetorically asked, “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Jesus was speaking of course about standing for the judgment of God. Clearly no amount of money can sway the Judge of all the earth.

Because Felix was probably aware that Paul had collected money from Christians in Asia Minor and Greece to give to the suffering Christians in Jerusalem and the rest of Israel. Maybe Paul would give some or all of that benevolence money to Felix for a speedy release from imprisonment. Felix failed to realize that Paul would never stoop that low. Maybe if Paul could raise a large sum for the poor, he could raise a large sum to buy his way out of legal trouble. Again, Felix didn’t know Paul, did he?

And Felix didn’t give up easily. He continued to ask not about religious matters, but about extorting money from Paul for his release.

A final thought: Are all people in positions of power “on the take”? Thankfully, no. But there are many who are, and given time and opportunity, many more are likely to end up becoming crooked.

When our words are not received

And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 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 24:24-25

Okay, one more post on when people do not want to hear. As Christians we speak the gospel to nonbelievers evangelistically. And we speak the Word to believers, offering biblical counsel. In both cases we should not be surprised when people do not want to listen. We have not always listened, have we?

When nonbelievers do not want to hear the gospel, let us remember how many times we may have had the same reaction before we were born again by the Holy Spirit. Let us not take offense. We are not being rejected but Christ is being rejected. Let us pray that what the person has heard will continue to convict them and that the Holy Spirit will convert them. Let us also pray that the Lord will send another person to proclaim the gospel from whom they may more readily receive.

When believers do not receive biblical counsel, let us remember the times when we rejected sound biblical counsel. Let us ask the Lord to show us whether our counsel was truly biblical, or just our subjective opinions. Let us pray that if the counsel was indeed biblical, that the Holy Spirit will work in the person’s heart to receive His words, not ours! And let us pray the Lord will send another person with sound biblical counsel from whom they more readily receive.

What is important is the gospel and biblical counsel—not the evangelist nor the counselor.

One more night with the frogs

And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 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 24:24-25

Last time we began thinking about putting things off until tomorrow that really need to be dealt with today. Our response to Christ and the gospel is no doubt the most important item in this category!

Felix’s spiritual procrastination reminds me of a similar event in Exodus. The plagues had begun and Pharaoh was stubbornly refusing to surrender to the God he could in no way defeat. Then came the plague of frogs (Exodus 8). Pharaoh didn’t want his land to be overrun by frogs so he told Moses to get rid of them and that he would let the Israelites go (Exodus 8:8). Moses asked the Egyptian king when he wanted to rid the land of the frogs, and when God’s people could depart from Egypt.

Pharaoh’s response is classic. “Tomorrow.” (8:10)

Pharaoh wanted the frogs go and he was willing to let the Israelites go—well, he was ‘kinda’ willing to let the Israelites go. But he was willing to endure one more night with the frogs.

We read that and think, “What’s wrong with you, Pharaoh?” But how often are nonbelievers willing to endure the frogs a little longer so repentance and belief in Christ can be postponed?

And what about we who are in Christ? How often do we delay repentance of some sins until “tomorrow?”

The extra day with the frogs resulted in Pharaoh reneging on his promise to let the Israelites go. And our delayed repentance often becomes no repentance at all!