I. INTRODUCTION
A. The Gospel in contact with the unrepentant heart. Characters such as Pilate, Gamaliel, Gallio, Festus, Agrippa, Drusilla, and Felix are placed in the Gospel narrative so that we may see their reaction to the Gospel. The inspiration of the scripture allows us to know these characters' real motives, know what things influenced them, and what it was that made them what they were.
B. The case of Felix
1. He was born a slave, but rose to prominence under Claudius Caesar. After winning many military honors, he was made governor of Judea. Secular history points out many of his character flaws, including: being lustful, cruel, ill tempered, thinking himself above the law, and a poor administrator. He was a man of ambition, energy , and power, but he was susceptible to bribery, corruption, and lying. He knew his life was corrupt and he trembled at the preaching of Paul; yet he was unwilling to repent. He kept Paul in prison even though he knew Paul was innocent, hoping to receive a bribe for his release.
2. He was married three times; to a niece of Cleopatra, to an unknown woman, and finally to Drusilla. Drusilla was the daughter of Herod Agrippa and had previously been married to the King of Emesa. Felix convinced her to leave her husband and become his consort.
3. Paul before Felix
a. Acts 24:1-21 The first public trial. Felix deferred his judgment until he could gather more information from Lysias.
b. Acts 24:22-27 Before Felix and Drusilla. Paul takes this opportunity to preach the Gospel. Paul did not use rude or severe language as he preached against everything that Felix stood for, but "reasoned about righteousness, self-control and the judgment." The truth found its way into the conscience of Felix and he "was afraid." (NKJV)
C. What happens when Christianity comes in contact with a corrupt heart and a life of guilt? With what truths can Christianity address a man like Felix? How should these truths properly affect the mind of the hearer? How would someone of Felix's character reject these truths?
II. DISCUSSION
A. With what appropriate truths can Christianity address a man like Felix? The truths chosen by Paul for the occasion were indeed appropriate for preaching to Felix. Beyond that, they are appropriate today. These are the topics which God employs to arouse our minds, convict us of our unrighteousness, make us realize our guilt, and lead us to feel the need for a Savior. Under the condemnation of this preaching, Felix "trembled." (KJV)
1. Righteousness a subject that applies to every man, but especially to one whose job calls for him to dispense justice. This topic covers a broad range of scripture including: right and wrong, the obligations of justice, the character of a righteous God, and how a sinner may attain and maintain righteousness. All views of religion must begin here; because salvation comes through obtaining righteousness.
2. Temperance "self-control." This would include controlling: our sensual passions, pride, selfishness, ambition, anger, and revenge. All of these are in addition to the more commonly held subjects of temperance: eating and drinking. The proper restraint and government of our passions is also a scriptural topic for preaching and teaching the Gospel.
3. Judgment to Come the day of final reckoning when God will call all men to give account of their life. There will be a judgment; the judgment will render certain results; it will be a solemn occasion; and the Divinity and qualifications of the Judge; are all fit subjects to be preached. What then does Christianity teach us concerning the judgment?
a. Judgment is awesome and to be feared (respected).
b. All men will be judged, (Rev. 20:12-14).
c. The Judge is revealed to be Jesus Christ, (Jn. 5:22,23).
d. The consequences of judgment are spelled out, (Mt. 25:31-46).
B. Was the effect produced by this preaching on the mind of Felix, natural and proper?
1. The natural marks of conscience guilt blushing, averting the eyes, trembling, fearful suspicious looks. All mankind possesses these natural signs of guilt, they transcend race, nationality, and locality.
2. We feel guilt because God has provided us with a moral government that He wishes all men to obey and we do not always live according to His precepts .
a. The marks of conscience guilt were given to us by God and cannot be transferred to the opposite course of conduct.
b. When these signs operate freely, they cannot be misinterpreted. Felix "trembled," he was visibly "afraid." It was an outward sign of his inward guilt.
c. The signs are there to put others on their guard and to restrain us from sin.
d. Compare Felix to the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:29,30).
C. How would someone of Felix's character reject these truths?
1. While the jailer yielded, Felix refused. Felix resisted his natural inclination, violated his conscience, and in doing so put his everlasting welfare in jeopardy.
2. He tried to quell his present alarm by deferring to a future time procrastination is what we call it today.
3. Why would he (and men today) plead for delay? The interpretation of the Greek scripture shows that Felix was asking for more time to consider the matter. The time was not convenient, suitable, or appropriate in Felix's mind.
4. He did not realize that each opportunity might be his last! Tomorrow, even the next moment, may never come.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. It is possible for man to "sear" his conscience to the degree that he might not exhibit any outward signs of guilt?
2. How can we show men that their decision for Christ must be made now?
3. Think of other examples of the "sin now, repent later" attitude in scripture and in your personal experience.