To be a Christian is to be a warrior.

The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battle-field.

Neither must he reckon upon the friendship of the world; for that would be enmity against God.

His occupation is war.

Feb 2, 2012

An Army, a Letter and a Testimony.


Paul arrived in Cesarea …

with a full military escort…

a letter…

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them:
then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.  And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man,I sent straightway to thee, 
and gave commandment to his accusers
 also to say before thee what they had against him.
Farewell.    Acts 23:26-30

And a purpose…


Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.  
Matthew 10:16-18


Paul was presented to Felix…

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. Acts 23:34-35

And after five days…

Ananias the high priest descended with the elders,
and with a certain orator named Tertullus,

who informed the governor against Paul… Acts 24:1


Straightway…

Paul’s accusers…

presented charges against him…

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying… we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.  Acts 24:2, 5-9

Paul responds…

Bold. Confident. Cheerful.

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.  
Acts 24:10, 12-16



Furthermore, Paul explains…

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.   Acts 24:17-21

And when Felix heard these things…

having more perfect knowledge of that way…

he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.   Acts 24:22-23

Paul’s testimony was convincing…

and powerful!

Felix was stirred…

and desired to hear Paul again…

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.    Acts 24:24

Seizing the opportunity…

Paul reasoned with Felix…

Righteousness. Temperance. Judgment.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.  Acts 24:25

Felix trembled!

And for the next two years…

desired to hear Paul again and again…

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.   Acts 24:26-27




Facing an angry mob…Paul was delivered by a Roman army.

Facing bonds and imprisonment…Paul was submissive and patient.

Facing trumped up charges…Paul was bold and truthful.

Facing Felix…Paul reasoned with wisdom and power…

until Felix trembled in fear.

Mean while…

God was listening. God was watching. God was recording…

everything that happened.


And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.  
Matthew 10:18

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Revelation 20:12






2 comments:

  1. Felix was so close to accepting the grace and mercy God was extending to him-- but he didn't. Rather, he chose to keep Paul bound. To Paul, I am sure this was discouraging. To God, disappointing. And to Felix... the worst decision he could have ever made: the decision to turn away from God in order to please the Jews of that day.

    How many people do we know that come SO, SO close to knowing God personally, but turn away because of peer pressure or fear? These are the people I am going to focus my prayers on this week. I feel a real burden for them. Do you have anyone you would like me to make mention before the Lord by name?

    Thank you for bringing the Word of the Lord again. I know that I can trust your posts to be full of Truth because they come directly from God's Word.

    Let's be strong in the Lord together!

    Raquel
    walkingonmyhighplaces.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your comment, Raquel. Yes...Felix was VERY close to accepting God's mercy...and we know that God was urging his complete surrender by the fact that scripture mentions Felix trembling after hearing Paul's testimony. So God was mightily at work to save to the uttermost...IF ONLY Felix would have surrendered himself.

    Another interesting point is that Felix desired that money should be given him...to release Paul. This is a real heart revealing statement. An upright and honest, God fearing ruler would have released Paul because it was the right thing to do (he was not guilty). But Felix wanted money to do the right thing. This reveals his covetous/ love of money heart. I wonder if that was the stumbling block that kept him from repenting...?

    Verily, there are many, many people that just will not give up the things of this life...for the sake of eternal life. It always surprises me to see how tightly they cling to things that do not profit, and things that will pass away with this world.

    Please remember my sister-in-law Beth in your prayers.

    Yes…let us fight valiantly…through prayer and intercession for those we love! Let us love fervently, not only in word, but in ACTION.

    Thank you for your kind and gentle spirit. May God bless you and keep you!

    ReplyDelete