We are getting close to the end of another chapter . . . but if you are like me, you are tempted to find the conclusion of Acts 24 disappointing. I am not sure how you feel about this, but I wanted Felix to take a stand for truth and justice, to ignore the political pressures, and pronounce Paul innocent of all charges. That would have been the best thing that could happen. However, if that had happened, Paul would have been released on the street, and no longer under Roman protection. The Jews who intended to kill him would have found it much easier to do, and there is little chance that Paul would ever have had the opportunity to proclaim Christ to Felix and Drusilla, Agrippa and Bernice, and finally Caesar.
God’s ways are seldom our ways, but God keeps His promises. He had told Paul that he would stand before kings. He has done that already, and he is yet to stand before others. God told Paul that he must bear witness in Rome, just as he has done in Jerusalem. He will soon be on his way to Rome. God’s ways are always perfect, and His promises are always sure.
If I was writing history, I don’t think I would have written it the way God has. Somehow, when I compare Acts 23 with Acts 24, I find that the outcome appears to be backwards. Think about it. In chapter 23, Paul messes up to one degree or another. He admits that he was wrong to speak like he did to the high priest (even if he did so ignorantly—and deservedly). Paul offends the high priest, then insults him, and finally causes a riot among the members of the Sanhedrin. Paul is obviously discouraged. Here is where I would have had Felix procrastinate, so Paul could “cool his heels” in prison for a couple of years. It would serve him right for speaking too quickly and too harshly. But God does it quite differently. He knows Paul’s weaknesses and he is well aware of his failings. God knows that what Paul needs is encouragement, not rebuke. So our Lord personally stands by Paul in his cell, assuring him that everything he has planned for Paul will be accomplished. No wonder Paul could write:
“For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” —Philippians 1:6
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The Book of Acts: Chapter 24 (pt 17 of 21)
We are getting close to the end of another chapter . . . but if you are like me, you are tempted to find the conclusion of Acts 24 disappointing. I am not sure how you feel about this, but I wanted Felix to take a stand for truth and justice, to ignore the political pressures, and pronounce Paul innocent of all charges. That would have been the best thing that could happen. However, if that had happened, Paul would have been released on the street, and no longer under Roman protection. The Jews who intended to kill him would have found it much easier to do, and there is little chance that Paul would ever have had the opportunity to proclaim Christ to Felix and Drusilla, Agrippa and Bernice, and finally Caesar.
God’s ways are seldom our ways, but God keeps His promises. He had told Paul that he would stand before kings. He has done that already, and he is yet to stand before others. God told Paul that he must bear witness in Rome, just as he has done in Jerusalem. He will soon be on his way to Rome. God’s ways are always perfect, and His promises are always sure.
If I was writing history, I don’t think I would have written it the way God has. Somehow, when I compare Acts 23 with Acts 24, I find that the outcome appears to be backwards. Think about it. In chapter 23, Paul messes up to one degree or another. He admits that he was wrong to speak like he did to the high priest (even if he did so ignorantly—and deservedly). Paul offends the high priest, then insults him, and finally causes a riot among the members of the Sanhedrin. Paul is obviously discouraged. Here is where I would have had Felix procrastinate, so Paul could “cool his heels” in prison for a couple of years. It would serve him right for speaking too quickly and too harshly. But God does it quite differently. He knows Paul’s weaknesses and he is well aware of his failings. God knows that what Paul needs is encouragement, not rebuke. So our Lord personally stands by Paul in his cell, assuring him that everything he has planned for Paul will be accomplished. No wonder Paul could write:
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The Book of Acts: Chapter 24 (pt 16 of 21)
The Book of Acts: Chapter 24 (pt 18 of 21)