Fear of the Lord or Fear of Men
Scripture Passage: Acts 24:17-27 (NASB)
17 Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings, 18 in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia— 19 who ought to have been present before you and to have been bringing charges, if they should have anything against me. 20 Or else have these men themselves declare what violation they discovered when I stood before the Council, 21 other than in regard to this one declaration which I shouted while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today!’”
22 But Felix, having quite accurate knowledge about the Way, adjourned them, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 He gave orders to the centurion for Paul to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from providing for his needs.
24 Now some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and responded, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and talk with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
SUMMARY
Felix listens to Paul's case, however his outcome remains to keep Paul in custody. Felix says that he will decide the outcome of the case later, and in the meantime keeps Paul in custody, while still allowing Peter to have extra freedoms and to allow his friend to provide him if he has any needs. Peter speaks to Felix and his wife a few days later about his faith in Jesus, however, Felix stops him as Peter begins discussing righteousness, self control, and that there will come a time of judgement.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
Felix became frightened when he heard Paul speaking the truth, and perhaps he knew that he wasn't doing right to Paul by keeping him in prison. I think when Paul spoke about righteousness, self control, and judgement, Felix was convicted of his own sin in not acting righteously, but rather for his own gain to appease the Jewish people. He realized that there was a higher judge than himself that was much more powerful and he was going against the way of God. I think that it's interesting how Felix knew that Paul was innocent, yet did not act in the right way by letting him go. Instead, he only sought his own gain, and tried to make up for it by partially giving Paul some freedoms while remaining in custody. Even when he was convicted by Paul's speech regarding righteousness, self control and judgement, he would not hear the entirety of the message due to recognizing his own lack in these areas. Instead of choosing to do the right thing, or to hear the lesson and change his ways, he sought only his own comfort and gain in the moment. In contrast, Paul gave up his comfort and his rights to follow God and live a life that reflected the Gospel to others.
APPLICATION
I think the reason why Felix could not do the right thing or obey, and just did things partially is because he did not have fear of the Lord. Instead, he feared the Jewish people, losing his position, and punishment. However, fear of people and wanting to keep his status made him take actions that were not pure and also further hid himself from learning important lessons that would improve his character and how to live a righteous life in obedience to Christ.
I think I also tend to do things partially and as far as I am comfortable doing it, not to the level that God wants me to perform at, I often focus on approval from others, or seek my own comfort first, just like Felix did, instead of fully obeying God's way at work and in my own personal life. I want to fully obey God so that he can develop my character and so that I can exemplify righteousness, self control in my life and know that judgement will come from God and be able to boldly also tell other people like Paul did.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I pray that I will grow in my fear and reverence of you and your glory. I pray that as I continue to seek you, I will grow in righteousness, self control and knowledge that in the end you are the only one I need to serve. Help to let go of the need of approval from others and to be like Paul. I pray that I will be able to be diligent in all that I do and to reflect obedience and fully follow you in my own life.
Amen!
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