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. 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.”
Acts 24:24-25

Antonius Felix was the Roman Procurator of Judea, ruling from his stronghold in Caesarea from 52 to 60 AD. According to the historian Josephus he was cruel and thoroughly corrupt, took bribes, and perverted justice. His corruption led to a dramatic increase in criminal activity in Judea.

His Jewish wife Drusilla was a daughter of King Herod Agrippa I, who had ordered the beheading of the Apostle James (Acts 12). Together, Felix and Drusilla knew quite a bit about Jesus and the Christian faith. They were curious, especially as Christianity seemed to be a way of uniting Jew and Gentile in the same faith, so they wanted to hear what the prisoner, Paul, had to say.

But Felix’s dedication to advancing his own career and getting rich was stronger than his curiosity or his spiritual hunger. The idea of having to face judgment before God and give an account of his corrupt ways (even though forgiveness was offered) terrified him! He knew very well what such a tribunal would look like; he was a judge, himself. Facing an incorruptible, truly righteous Judge was something he could not imagine.

So the Bible tells us, “At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.” (Acts 24:26)

God was giving Felix a chance to repent, be forgiven, and be saved. For two years this went on, until Felix was replaced and the opportunity was lost.

God, in His mercy, offers forgiveness to even the most corrupt, even as He calls us to repentance.

Lord, Thank You for taking my guilt on Yourself so that I can be forgiven! Let me hear again Your gracious offer, and respond. Give me a heart of true repentance and faith that clings to Your mercy, without delay. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles