Paul witnessing to Felix (Roman Governor or Procurator of Judea) is a classic example of Jesus’ Parable about the “Sower.”
I’m not sure if Felix’s heart was a picture of the “hard ground” or the “thorny ground” or the “shallow ground” … but clearly it wasn’t that of the “good ground!”
Luke tells us: “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 24:25
Paul preaching Jesus!
And at first things looked promising, too.
“And as he (Paul) reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled.” Acts 24:25, the Greek construction here implies he “became very fearful!” Hence, he is “shaking.” Maybe he is even “under conviction!” Those three listed themes Paul preached deal with one’s past (sins forgiven, righteousness imputed) and one’s present (how to lived day-by-day with godly self-control, temperance) and then with one’s future (preparing for judgment by being born-again)!
No wonder Felix seemed to be so moved! He is left completely “without excuse!” (Quoting Romans 1:20.)
As I said earlier … it looked like Felix might get saved, might believe!
But then he “postpones” his decision! (Not God’s Idea, but Felix’s idea!) The Governor commanded Paul … “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24:25, the verse’s last clause.
Looks like Felix came to the very “brink” of salvation … and (apparently) rejected the Gospel!
He will wait until “just the right time!” He has spurned the Grace of God! He has rejected Jesus!
The Holy Spirit “gripped” him, ever so briefly, ever so gently … but Felix decided to “not believe.” At least at that time, at that “season” (the noun “kairos” in Greek, a “window of opportunity”)!
Now, back to the idea of the different kinds of soil … looks like he has his hardened his heart (the “hard ground” in the Parable) … having said “no” to the Word of God. “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.” Luke records in Acts 24: 26 … less conviction now and more greed!
When the Holy Spirit “draws” one to Christ … he or she had best “yield” to His Hand … and the sooner the better!
If not, the devil will “steal away” the good seed of the Truth … and the “cares of this world” (including $$$) will choke out the Message of eternal salvation!
And this “rejection” of Jesus continued how long? “But after TWO YEARS Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.” Acts 24:27
And Felix left town … still lost in his sins!
Not Paul’s fault!
Not the Holy Spirit’s Fault!
Solely Felix’s fault … proof a man can “of his own will” neglect Jesus … to his own detriment!
And today, this very minute …. Felix may be in the unquenchable Fires of Hell, in “outer darkness; where there is weeping, gnashing of teeth, eternal darkness!”
Are YOU saved?
Jesus tells us how to be … “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24
Amen.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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