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 (3)
Paul’s three-point message and the teachings of Jesus
As we confirmed previously, Paul spoke to Felix about three key matters: righteousness, self-control, and the judgement to come. “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.’” The teachings of the Lord Jesus also center around the same three points. Jesus said that unless He departed, the Helper (the Holy Spirit) would not come to the disciples. But if He left, He would send the Helper to them. From God’s perspective, sorrow is a preparation for the great blessing that is to come. John 16:8-11 teaches about the work of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus would send to the disciples: “And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me; and regarding righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you no longer are going to see Me; and regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” (1) The Holy Spirit reveals sin to us. The sin mentioned here refers to the ultimate sin – the sin of unbelief. Paul spoke about self-control to expose Felix’s sin. (2) The Holy Spirit reveals righteousness to us. Jesus, the Messiah, fulfilled God’s righteousness and ascended to the Father. We are declared righteous only through faith in Him. Paul spoke about righteousness to demonstrate God’s standard of righteousness. (3) The Holy Spirit reveals the final judgment to us. The ruler of this world (Satan) has already been judged. Therefore, all who follow Satan will ultimately face judgment. Paul also spoke about the judgment to come. From this, we can see that the content of Paul’s message was in alignment with the work of the Holy Spirit. We must realize that the Holy Spirit is the primary agent in evangelism. Let us also strive to share the gospel, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (a) The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to people. (b) The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus, the Messiah.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, it is the Holy Spirit who leads people to the truth and brings them to salvation. I will strive to share the gospel, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.