GETTING PERSONAL
Opening Prayer
Lord I need Your courage and wisdom as I follow You today.
Read Acts 24:22–27
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Think of a time when someone spoke difficult truths to you for which you were eventually grateful. How did you respond?Unlike Tertullus (2) Paul didn’t resort to flattery! Several days after the trial, Felix and his wife sent for him. He took the opportunity to talk about faith in Jesus (24). If you were in Paul’s situation—at the mercy of the Roman governor—what would you have emphasized about the Gospel: forgiveness, joy and peace, your hope for the future? Not so Paul, in this case at least.
Paul focused on “righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come” (25). It wasn’t diplomatic but it was right on target. Roman historian Tacitus said that when it came to cruelty and lust, Felix practiced it all. He had seduced Drusilla his Jewish wife when she was married to Azizus, King of Emesa. She divorced at 16 and even now was only about 20. As for money, he was hoping for a bribe (26) and later on often spoke with Paul. But what Paul said today made him deeply afraid (25) and the conversation ended.
It can be hard knowing how direct to be when we’re talking about the Gospel, especially to people we know well. We need God’s wisdom as we treat people as individuals.
Apply
Write down your testimony, that is, your story of what Christ has done for you. Think of someone with whom you could share your story.
Closing prayer
Lord, teach me how to speak boldly and wisely for You.
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