How can we apply Paul's boldness in Acts 24:25 to our witness today? Setting the Scene Acts 24 finds Paul on trial before Governor Felix. Verse 25 reads: “As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘You may leave for now. When I find time, I will summon you.’” What Made Paul’s Boldness Unique? • He spoke directly to a powerful ruler without watering down truth. • He focused on three unpopular topics—righteousness, self-control, judgment—because the Holy Spirit deemed them essential (John 16:8). • He accepted the risk of personal loss; incarceration had already become his platform (Philippians 1:12-14). • He trusted God—not persuasion techniques—to convict Felix (Proverbs 21:1). Translating Paul’s Courage into Today’s Witness • Stay Gospel-centered: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). • Address sin and judgment honestly; repentance makes no sense without them (Acts 17:30-31). • Speak to the heart issues of your listener—righteousness (what is right), self-control (how we live), judgment (why it matters). • Expect mixed responses. Some will tremble like Felix; others will believe like the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:30-34). Practical Steps for Cultivating Boldness • Pray daily for Spirit-given courage (Ephesians 6:19-20). • Know the Word so you can reason from it, not merely share opinions (2 Timothy 2:15). • Practice self-control; a holy life reinforces a holy message (Titus 2:11-12). • Remember eternity. “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Speaking Hard Truths with Compassion • Begin with relationship, as Paul’s repeated conversations with Felix show (Acts 24:24). • Use clear, respectful language (1 Peter 3:15). • Pair warnings with hope: forgiveness, new life, adoption as children of God (Ephesians 1:7; John 1:12). Leaving the Results to God • Felix delayed; the thief on the cross responded instantly (Luke 23:42-43). Our role is faithfulness, not outcome management (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Courage grows each time we obey. Like Paul, we may find chains but we will never lack Christ’s presence (2 Timothy 4:17). Takeaway Bold witness means lovingly presenting the full counsel of God—righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment—trusting the Spirit to pierce hearts and draw people to saving faith in Jesus. |
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