Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the account of Felix's encounter with the Apostle Paul provides a compelling illustration of conviction under the preaching of the Gospel. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 24:24-27. Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, is depicted as a man who, despite his position of power, is deeply unsettled by the truths of the Christian faith as presented by Paul.Background Felix, whose full name was Antonius Felix, served as the Roman procurator of Judea from approximately AD 52 to 60. He was known for his cruelty and corruption, often using his position for personal gain. Felix's rule was marked by unrest and dissatisfaction among the Jewish population, and he was eventually recalled to Rome due to his mismanagement. Paul's Imprisonment and Trial The Apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and brought to Caesarea to stand trial before Felix. Accused by the Jewish leaders of causing dissension and profaning the temple, Paul defended himself by asserting his faith in Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the dead. Felix, familiar with "the Way" (Acts 24:22), postponed the decision, keeping Paul in custody but allowing him some freedom and access to his friends. Felix's Encounter with Paul Acts 24:24-25 describes a significant moment when Felix, accompanied by his Jewish wife Drusilla, summoned Paul to hear him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Paul seized this opportunity to discuss righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. The Berean Standard Bible records, "As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, 'Go away for now. When I find time, I will call for you.'" Conviction and Fear Felix's reaction to Paul's message is telling. The topics Paul chose—righteousness, self-control, and judgment—were particularly poignant for Felix, whose life was characterized by moral laxity and injustice. The conviction Felix experienced is evident in his fear and his decision to dismiss Paul, indicating an internal struggle with the truths he heard. Despite his fear, Felix's response was to delay, seeking a more convenient time to address the matters of his soul. Felix's Missed Opportunity Felix's interaction with Paul highlights a critical moment of conviction that ultimately did not lead to repentance or transformation. Acts 24:26-27 reveals Felix's ulterior motives, as he hoped for a bribe from Paul and left him imprisoned for two years, seeking to curry favor with the Jewish leaders. Felix's procrastination and desire for personal gain overshadowed the conviction he felt, illustrating the peril of ignoring the call to repentance. Theological Implications Felix's encounter with Paul serves as a sobering reminder of the power of the Gospel to convict even the most hardened hearts. It underscores the necessity of responding to conviction with repentance and faith, rather than delay or indifference. The narrative also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing conviction through the preaching of the Word, as well as the human responsibility to respond to that conviction. In summary, the account of Felix under the preaching of Paul is a vivid example of conviction met with resistance. It challenges believers to consider their own responses to the truths of Scripture and the urgency of embracing the Gospel message. Nave's Topical Index Acts 24:25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go your way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you. Nave's Topical Index Library Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla Paul Before Felix. Paul's Sermon Before Felix The Law Established through Faith Acts VIII Paul a Prisoner The Propagation of Christianity. Paul Before Festus and Agrippa. Repentance unto Life Conditions of Being Saved Resources What is the principle of double effect? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have a holier-than-thou attitude? | GotQuestions.org How can I stop doubting Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Conviction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conviction: Adam and Eve, After Their Disobedience Conviction: After Being Rebuked and Punished for Worshiping the Golden Calf Conviction: After Casting Jonah Into the Sea Conviction: After the Plague of Hail Conviction: At the Preaching of Jonah Conviction: Belshazzar, when he "Saw the Part of the Hand That Wrote" Conviction: Darius, when Daniel Was in the Lions' Den Conviction: David After the Pestilence Sent on Account of his Numbering the People Conviction: Felix, Under the Preaching of Paul Conviction: Herod, when he Heard of the Fame of Jesus Conviction: Jonah, in the Belly of the Great Fish Conviction: Joseph's Brother, on Account of Their Cruelty to Joseph Conviction: Judas, After his Betrayal of Jesus Conviction: Philippian Jailer, After the Earthquake Conviction: Saul of Tarsus, when he Saw Jesus on the Way to Damascus Conviction: Saul, After Sparing Agag and the Best of the Spoils Conviction: The Death of the Firstborn Conviction: The Death of the Ten Spies and Their Being Sentenced to Wander for Forty Years Conviction: The Plague of Locusts Conviction: Their Complaining Against God and Being Bitten by Fiery Serpents Conviction: Widow of Zarephath, when Her Son Died Related Terms |
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