Despite having accurate knowledge of the Way, Felix decides to put off making a decision in Paul's favor. Instead, he tries to do right by Paul without aligning himself with the Gospel. He gives Paul comfortable custody, but custody nonetheless.

Felix knew the truth, but chose to ignore it.

This is visible again when Paul is brought forth again and he speaks about righteousness we have in Christ, self-control and lifestyle we are called to live as believers, and coming judgment regarding eternal salvation.

Once again, Felix is alarmed by the truth, but sends Paul away until what he hopes is a more convenient time, continuing to delay a decision. A decision he never comes to.

Felix can be looked at as a symbol of many who are intrigued by the Gospel, but are unwilling to surrender their lives to it. It is evidence that we can be near the truth, and even be able to speak the truth, but never believe the truth.

As believers, we have accepted the truth of the Gospel and received salvation, but many times we continue to sin and hold on to the desires of the flesh. So I ask you today, is the Lord convicting you of any sin, and are you holding on to it, waiting for a better time?

[Acts 24.22-27]

24.22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. 24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Felix have accurate knowledge of?

+ What do you think influences Felix's decision, or lack of decision, to wait on providing a verdict?

+ What does Paul do when he is brought for again?

+ What is revealed as Felix’s true desire within the situation? [v. 26]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How is the Lord working in your life? What truth has he laid on your heart, that you have not accepted?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Am I someone who the devil and the demons know? Are they afraid of the Spirit in me?

+ Who do I know that knows the good news, but doesn’t know Jesus. How can we be praying for them?

+ Who is disciplining you and who is teaching you the ways of the Lord? Are you taking heed to their teaching and admonishment?