Putting It Off
“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.” 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. But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.”
Acts 24:25-27
I have a dentist appointment coming up. I put it off as long as I could. They mentioned a possible root canal…
We all tend to put things off. There are some things we dread doing. Also , sometimes we put off making important decisions.
Paul was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. In this passage, he is making his defense before Felix.
The Roman historian Tacitus described Felix as “cruel, licentious, and base.”
Paul is making his defense and talking about “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.”
Felix was starting to squirm. The conviction in Felix’s soul was so overwhelming, he ordered Paul to stop talking and said that he would hear him again at a more “convenient” time. He put off an important decision…
Felix also had an ulterior motive in leaving Paul Imprisoned. He was hoping for a bribe from him. So, he called on Paul and heard him from time to time.
But, the Bible doesn’t record that Felix ever heeded Paul’s words and possibly never became a follower of Jesus.
Got questions.org says:
“Upon his loss of the governorship, Felix was summoned to Rome where certain of his former Jewish subjects accused him of cruelty and corruption. Felix was found guilty but was spared the death penalty.”
It is thought he died of tuberculosis some time later.
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that life is uncertain and every day is precious.
So, let’s work on some of the things we are putting off, including life changing decisions! God stands ready to help and guide us if we ask.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5
