Thoughts on the book of Acts (179) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. 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. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 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. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 24:22-27
Thoughts on the book of Acts (179)
Paul had been able to invalidate every accusation against him. Yet the governor did not release him, but alleged his need to hear the military tribune. So the apostle remained in custody, but was permitted to receive visitors.
Drusilla was a daughter of king Herod Agrippa I (cf. Acts 12:21-23). She was the governor's third wife, after he had enticed her away from her first husband, an Arabian king. As our scriptural passage shows, Felix was not averse to bribery or personal advantage.
Paul spoke to the governor freely about his faith. And he did not gloss over subjects that he knew must be very awkward for Felix: the gospel reveals God's righteousness; temperance or self-control, the opposite of excess and licentiousness, is a result of accepting the gospel. And the coming judgment awaits those who reject the gospel.
(to be continued next Sunday)
Today's reading: Ezekiel ch.35 & ch.36, vv.1-7