Unstoppable! 'Felix Fritters Away His Opportunity' — Acts 24:22-23

Felix was a shrewd politician trying to balance Jewish sentiments with Roman justice. He also wanted to profit from his position.* Felix knew a great deal about the Way — a name for Christians in the first century.** He also needed to hear from Claudius Lysias, Paul's arresting officer, who had sent him to Caesarea (Acts 23:12-35). Felix's interests in Paul included a desire for entertainment and conversation. He didn't want to execute Paul, but he also wanted to keep the Jewish leaders on his side. So, Felix repeatedly put off a decision on Paul's fate and also on his response to Paul's message about Jesus even though he recognized the seriousness of that message.* He reminds me of people interested in Jesus but refusing to yield their hearts to him — people who play at faith rather than following Jesus in faith. They stand in the way of Jesus' mission by refusing to become followers of the Way. Felix refused to yield his heart to Jesus, yet God used him to protect Paul even though he was detaining and delaying Paul. For Felix, Paul became a wasted opportunity to give his life to Christ. He reminds us to pray that those who are interested in just learning about Jesus will change and learn about him in order to follow him!

* See the first Related Scripture Reading.
** See the second set of Related Scripture Readings.