Acts 24:25 – “Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”
Paul is being held in a jail in Caesarea for several years prior to his deportation to Rome. Felix, the governor of the region, sends for Paul several days after his original hearing and listens to him as he speaks about faith in Christ. Paul has an opportunity to talk to Felix about whatever he would choose to concerning Christianity. Paul’s “sermon” contains three points worthy of our consideration for living in the 21st century.
1. Righteousness. This is the essence of the Christian message. Paul’s masterpiece writing of the book of Romans uses righteousness as a central theme throughout its 16 chapters. The word “righteous” or “righteousness” is used 37 times in Romans. The centerpiece for Paul’s teaching on righteousness could arguably be Romans 5:18,19 – “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” The good news for us and for Felix: you can be made righteous through Jesus Christ.
2. Self Control. Here’s a good one. This is so appropriate for our day. There’s not much you can control in this world, but you can control yourself. This is a distinct characteristic of a disciple of Christ. The ability to restrain oneself is a mastery a Christian should strive for.
3. Judgment to Come. This might be the part that ended Paul’s sermon. The bible says that Felix became afraid and told him to go away. As much as we would like it to “go away,” judgment to come is inescapable. Back to Paul’s writing in Romans…chapter 14 verse 10, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” The word “judgment” is used 66 times in the New Testament alone. While it is a most unpopular subject today, someone better be talking about the inevitability of it. Felix wanted to talk about it at a more “convenient time.” There is no convenient time to talk about it before death. I think we should be self-controlled and talk about judgment to come so we can embrace the righteousness of Christ. What think ye?