Acts 24:24-27
24 Now some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and responded, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will summon you.”
26 At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and talk with him.
27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
Preaching to Felix (1)
The context
Paul’s trial was held before Felix, the governor of Judea. Although it was evident that Paul was innocent, Felix postponed the trial, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” He kept Paul in custody but granted him some freedom, allowing his friends to care for him. Through this trial, Felix seemed to develop an interest in Paul’s message.
Felix and Drusilla hearing Paul speak
“Now some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.” (1) Felix and his wife Drusilla showed interest in “the Way.” (a) “The Way” is a term that captures the essence of faith more accurately than “Christianity.” (b) Since Paul was held nearby in custody, it was easy to summon him for a conversation. (c) They called for Paul, but this was not a formal trial. It is likely that Drusilla wanted to hear from Paul herself. (2) Drusilla was Felix’s third wife. Felix used marriage as a means to elevate his own status. (a) Drusilla was formerly the wife of King Azizus of Emesa, a small kingdom in Syria. (b) Felix seduced her at the age of 16, persuaded her to divorce her husband, and took her as his wife. (c) By the time she married Felix, Drusilla was around 20 years old. (3) Let us review Drusilla’s lineage. (a) Although she is referred to as “his wife, who was Jewish,” she was technically an Idumean. The Idumeans were a mixed people of Israelites and Edomites. (b) She was the youngest of the three daughters of Herod Agrippa I (Mariamme, Berenice, and Drusilla). (c) Her brother was Herod Agrippa II. (4) The Herodian family was a lineage that opposed God. (a) Drusilla’s father, Herod Agrippa I, was the one who killed James and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1-3). (b) Drusilla’s brother, Herod Agrippa II, would later judge Paul (Acts 26). (c) Her great-uncle, Herod Antipas, was the one who had John the Baptist killed (Matt. 14:10-11). (d) Her great-grandfather, Herod the Great, ordered the massacre of children aged two and under in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16). The Herodian family lived as instruments of the devil. They gained power in this world, but from the perspective of eternal order, they were truly tragic figures. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15) – this is our way of life.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, the path of opposing You is truly tragic. As for me, I will fear You and follow You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.