2022_10_26 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Acts 24-25
One of the great things about reading and studying characters in the Bible is the lessons we can learn from their good and bad examples. I like to think of it as learning on someone else’s tuition. In Acts 24, we see the distinct contrast in how Paul, and Governor Felix, choose to live.
Paul is a falsely accused prisoner whose enemies have, and are continuing to, work to silence him permanently. In the midst of rampant untrue accusations and harassment, Paul continues to take the high road and honor God – never stooping to the level of his opponents. In explaining that he devoted his life to following God, Paul says in his first hearing with the Governor: “Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.” Acts 24:16 (NLT) Throughout Paul’s ministry, we see that he lived this conviction out.
Governor Felix, on the other hand, had a very different standard that guided his life. Other historians have described him as a cruel, amoral political figure who was tried in Rome for misusing his position. In the same chapter, we see how Felix was alternately intrigued and scared by Paul’s teachings but ruled by his own self-interest. Here we see an example from when he and his wife were Paul’s audience: “Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he often sent for him and talked with him.
27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.” Acts 24:24-27 (NLT)
Paul’s life was far from easy and comfortable, but his clear conscience was something that Felix never had. Power, wealth, prestige, and success are not bad things, but if the pursuit of them shipwrecks our conscience- that is too high a price to pay.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor