“Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.”
Acts 24:24-26 NIV
Despite procrastinating, Felix did something unexpected for a government official. He fraternised with Paul. He listened to Paul’s messages time and again…both fascinated and afraid. He knew that Paul was speaking the truth. He knew that he had to do something about it. His response? Hurry up and wait! Again!
Under the surface, however, Felix’s interest and delays had an ulterior motive. If he dragged Paul’s case out long enough, perhaps Paul would get tired…lose heart…become impatient…give in…cross his palm with silver… pay him a handsome bribe in exchange for his freedom. Felix was not above a little corruption to keep the wheels of government turning smoothly.
Not Paul! He had all the time in the world. He was in no hurry. He was following God’s timetable. He was on his way to Rome as God had promised, and he would get there in God’s time. So he waited…for two years…quite comfortable in his accommodation, with his friends in attendance… in Herod’s palace… at government expense.
This scenario was a standoff…Felix against Paul, Felix in it for the money…and Paul awaiting God’s timing and His way. Felix had the power to release Paul or to keep him incarcerated for as long as he pleased. Paul, on the other hand, had no case to answer…and Felix knew it!
And so the years passed…again. For what was Felix waiting? For an opportunity to pass the buck because he didn’t have courage or the conviction to free Paul although he knew he was innocent?
Felix’s break came at last. His tenure as governor came to an end and he was succeeded by Porcius Festus…and the process had to begin all over again. In the meanwhile, m Paul remained a prisoner…at Felix’s good pleasure.
“When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.”
Acts 24:27 NIV
Another hearing…another defence…
“After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them. Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”
Acts 25:6-8 NIV
Finally…after the umpteenth time of telling his story, Paul got his break. Festus gave Paul a choice…
“Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
Why Jerusalem? He had already defended himself before the Sanhedrin there to no avail. His story had almost got himself killed. Not again. His only alternative was to go to the top.
Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!””
Acts 25:9-11 NIV
That did it! The die was caste. He was destined for Rome and nothing or no one could stop him now. Festus was obliged to honour his decision…
And so…the preparations were made. Paul was going to Rome…at government expense!
To be continued