Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 8

January 8;   Acts 24:25;   8/260(II);   ‘No Intimidation’

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."

Felix was the governor of Caesarea.  Paul was taken there and Ananias the high priest came from Jerusalem to Caesarea to charge Paul.  Nothing of what Paul was charged with was true.  An orator named Tertullus presented trumped up charges against Paul.  Felix was familiar with Christianity and having heard both Tertullus and Paul, he adjourned the hearing until Lysias, the commander of the Roman army in Jerusalem came to Caesarea.  A few days later, Felix, with his Jewish wife Drusilla, sent for Paul and listened as he testified about the Lord Jesus Christ.  As Paul continued sharing, Felix, the powerful governor was frightened by the Word of God and commanded Paul to go away, until a more convenient time when Felix would hear Paul again.  Everyone needs to hear the gospel, regardless of who you are, what you do and the power or influence that you may have.  The Bible teaches that the Name of Jesus is the highest Name and that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Regardless of the importance men give to an individual, the individual according to the Word of God, must be Born Again.  Many times the person sharing the Word becomes intimidated by those he or she is sharing with.  This was not the case with Paul.  He had been all over the known world and never shied away from teaching God’s Word with anyone and everyone.  We should respect those in authority. Pride greatly hinders the powerful, because of their prestige.  Beneath that devil inspired prideful façade, is just a person who needs Jesus desperately.  Paul knew this.