Acts 24:1-20 – Paul Before Felix

Felix trembled (v.25). Heresy or development? Is the New Testament church an unwarranted departure from Old Testament religion or the true continuation of it? The Jews called Christianity a heresy (v.14), but Paul shows it to be a result of God’s unfolding of His revelation by speaking “in these last days by his Son” (Heb.1:2) and that far from denying the Scriptures, he believed “all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” Later on, Felix heard Paul again “concerning the faith in Christ” (v.24), perhaps because Drusila, his Jewish wife, wanted to hear more about this strange sect.

Paul spoke of righteousness and temperance – of God’s standards and of the restrained and right way of responding to our physical appetites and desires. He also spoke of judgment to come, when God will vindicate His own standards, by punishing forever all unforgiven violation of those standards in thought, word and deed. All of this was calculated to show Felix his need of the Saviour of sinners, Jesus Christ. He trembles, but did he change? He was concerned, but did he turn to the Lord? His conscience was troubled, but did he learn to hate sin and not just fear the consequences of it? He felt a sense of guilt, but did he seek the Saviour of the guilty? No, he did not.

Questions
1. What is the difference between conviction and conversion?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the conversion of the men and women who live around us.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.