Governor Felix made a mistake.  He was intrigued by Paul and invited his prisoner to speak to him.  He did not get what he expected.

The Jews had wanted Paul killed because he said he believed in the resurrection from the dead.  They were persistent in their earnestness and desire to do so.  So much so that Paul was sent to stand trial before the Governor Felix.

The Jews brought some slanderous accusations, but Paul could easily make his defense.  Because it was true.

• He was not found arguing with anyone
• He did not try to stir up a crowd as they accused him
• He was not arguing with anyone at the temple
• There was no crowd with him to stir up trouble, he was alone
• He was not involved in any disturbance

The problem was it was illegal to stir up a crowd because crowds often meant riots.  Rome wanted no trouble makers.

But Paul was innocent.  And they could not prove otherwise.  Paul said this:

I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man (Acts 24:16).

It was clear.  There was no case against Paul no matter how hard they tried.  But Felix was definitely intrigued.  He was very familiar with The Way, which was what the early Christian movement was called.

At the same time he wanted a bribe from Paul.  His accusers wanted death for Paul, so maybe Paul would slip him a bit under the table.  It was a common practice.  Every one did it.

Except Paul.  Paul did not do bribes.

So he called Paul in to hear him more.  He brought his Jewish wife with him also.  It would be entertaining.

And what did Paul do?  He preached the gospel.  But it became extremely uncomfortable.  So much so that Felix became afraid.

He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you” (Acts 24:24-25).

What was so scary?  It was likely that Paul was addressing Felix when he was talking about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come.  It was very likely he was warning Felix that he needed to repent, because judgment was coming.

Felix had enough.  Then he sent him away.

No one like to be confronted about their sins.  And to be told the truth.

We like our indulgences better.

Message of self-control are not received.  Self control with sexual thoughts and actions, self-control with addictions, self-control with our words and our thoughts.

We don’t know what happened to Felix as we do not read he repented.  But we do know he heard about faith in Jesus.

Paul was less concerned about the possibility of his being killed than he was about making sure all heard the good news of Jesus.  Always the gospel was the center.  Living or dying was secondary.

Is that true for me also?  That I so love others that making sure they hear the good news of Jesus is more important than living or dying, or losing friendships or what others think of me?