A Convenient Time

By Jeremy Main

There are a number of examples of conversions found in the Book of Acts. There are also examples of non-conversions found in this history book. One of these examples is that of Governor Felix (Acts 24:1-27 NKJV). Commander Claudius Lysias brought Paul bound to Caesarea to appear before Governor Felix.

First, Paul's accusers came before Felix (Acts 24:1-9). Ananias the high priest gave evidence to Felix against Paul (Acts 24:1). As prosecutor, the orator Tertullus presented his case against Paul (Acts 23:2-8). Paul was accused of being "a plague," "a creator of dissension," "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes," and of being one who "tried to profane the temple" (vv. 5-6). To learn the truth, compare Tertullus' accusations against Paul with Luke's account (Acts 21:27-35). Also read the letter of Claudius Lysias to Governor Felix (Acts 23:26-30). Ananias and the elders from Jerusalem joined in the accusations against Paul (Acts 23:9).

Second, Paul made his defense before Felix (Acts 24:10-21). Paul was happy to answer for himself; he was no plague (Acts 24:10). He demonstrated that he was not a creator of dissension (Acts 24:11-13). He gave genuine evidence that Christianity is no sect but instead the fulfillment of the law (Acts 24:14-16). He showed that he did not try to profane the temple but simply to worship (Acts 24:17-18). Changing the focus of his defense, he then asked the whereabouts of the witnesses of his alleged crimes (Acts 24:19) and the findings of the council concerning him (Acts 24:20-21). Paul was innocent!

Third, Paul gave testimony before Felix about Christianity (Acts 24:22-27). Having adjourned the proceedings, the centurion held Paul in custody while he awaited Felix's decision (Acts 24:22-23). After some days, Felix sent for Paul. Felix and his wife Drusilla heard him concerning "the faith in Christ" (Acts 24:24). Paul reasoned with Felix about "righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come" (Acts 24:25). As a result, "Felix was afraid." He had reason to tremble. According to Josephus, Felix had persuaded Drusilla to leave her husband Azizus.

What was Felix's response to the truth? "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you" (Acts 24:25). Felix delayed, indicating the need for a "convenient time." During Paul's imprisonment, Felix sent for him often and conversed with him (Acts 24:26). "But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound" (Acts 24:27). By his conduct, Felix showed that he cared more about money and pleasing men than truth and pleasing God.

As far as we know from the Scriptures, a convenient or opportune time never came for Felix to obey the gospel. Though Felix had several other opportunities to hear Paul explain the Way, the faith in Christ, it appears that Felix never found the right time to be saved. Do not make the same mistake Felix made and delay for a convenient time. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2). What about you? Will you become a Christian today?