Governor Felix s Treatment of Paul

Transcription

1 Governor Felix s Treatment We have just looked at doctre resurrection, which Apostle taught, preached, left us so much formation. Three times sermons, or speeches that he gave, Apostle n t allowed say any more after mentiong resurrection dead. In ACTS 17 durg his sermon on Mars hill, we read this concerng preachg about Jesus: 31..where he hath given assurance un all men, that he bath raised him from dead 32 And when y heard resurrection dead, some mocked: ors said, We will hear e aga this matter. 33 So departed from among m. We see here that majority Ans didn t want here message about resurrected Jesus Christ. Aga before Sanhedr council ACTS 23:6 s fal words he allowed speak un m were:...men brethren, 1 am a Pharisee, son a Pharisee: hope resurrection dead I am called question. 7 And when he had so said, re arose a dissension between Pharisees Sadducees: multitude divided. 8 For Sadducees say that re is no resurrection, neir angel, nor spirit: but Pharisees confess both. 9 And re arose a great cry: scribes that were Pharisee? part arose, strove, sayg, We fd no evil this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken him, let us not fight agast God. This brgs us back ACTS 24 where a few days later allowed present his case before governor Felix, once aga speaks resurrection dead, but governor wishes hear no more from at this time. ACTS 24:20( else let se same here say, if y have found any evil dog me, while I sod before council, 21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried stg among m, Touchg resurrection dead I am called question by you this day. 22 And when Felix heard se thgs, havg more perfect knowledge that way, he deferred m, said, When Lysias chief capta shall come down, 1 will know uttermost your matter. As we can see governor Felix thought he had heard enough when mentioned for second time his speech fact resurrection dead. The rest ACTS 24, startg with verse 22, concerns Felix s treatment Apostle, we fmd much formation concerng, governor Felix this portion scripture. Let s start by examg a little closer what is stated verse 22 notg this statement, that Felix laid claim...havg more perfect knowledge that way... We need underst meang word perfect as used here, which comes from Greek word akribesteron {ak-ree-be&-ter-on}, number 197 Strong s Greek Concordance, is only used four times lew Testament, all by Luke book AC1S It means more exactly.. The same word used back ACTS 1&26 when Aquila Pricilla ok Apollos aside... expounded un him way God more perfectly,... meang y were able give Apollos a more complete exact knowledge word God, havg been mselves taught by Apostle, s gospel. The end result that Apollos became one church Apostles who also taught preached s gospel. This only happened after Apoilos learned s gospel from those who had...more perfect knowledge that way... Our text here ACtS 24:22 states that governor Felix had...more perfect knowledge that way,,... which doesn t mean he undersod s gospel, but rar he had a better understg Jewish religion than be easily deceived by misrepresentations Tertullus, who had just presented his case agast. Governor Felix also allowed room this statement quire more formation from Apostle a private settg. Felix trigued by s message. In a previous statement concerng governor Felix we note that his over all treatment Apostle fair accordg Roman law, it context Roman law that Felix makg his judgment his case. Felix knew that Jews would have one pot view, would have anor perspective, which Felix terested hearg more about at a later time private, because as we have noted many time before, Felix also hopg money should have been given him, a fact stated ACTS Governor Felix also had anor piece formation from which he made his rulg, which letter Claudius Lysias had sent him, context which only known by governor Felix at this time. Luke wrote what this letter, havg learned it s 818

2 content at a later time by private terviews with eir governor Felix, or Claudius Lysias, or from some or source who later learned letters context, possibly Apostle himself. Here is what Lysias letter governor Felix said once aga: AC IS 23:26 Ciaudius Lysias un most excellent governor Felix sendeth greetg. 27 This man taken Jews, should have been killed m: n came I with an army, rescued him, havg undersod that he a Roman. 28 And when I would have known cause wherefore y accused him, I brought him forth ir council: 29 Whom I perceived be accused questions ir law, but have nothg laid his charge worthy death or bonds. 30 And when it ld me how that Jews laid wait for man, I sent straightway e, gave commment Lu his accusers also say before e what y had agast him. Farewell. Note that Claudius Lysias stated his letter that re nothg laid charge worthy death, or even bonds, but fal rulg on this subject be made by governor himself, which Felix now dog. All this formation also helps us better underst how that governor Felix is noted as...havg more perfect knowledge that way..., There is anor important side this statement...havg more perfect knowledge that way,... which we will now consider.. Governor Felix had a somewhat open md ward Christians, which is evident his teractions with Apostle. hi verse 24 Felix will call for, have preach un him concerng his faith Christ, which referenced verse l4as beg way. The way, which Felix admits havg some knowledge verse 22, is a statement referencg Christian doctre. Relievers Christ are Christians, a term Luke troduced ACIS 11:26 where he noted that... disciples were called Christians first Antioch. Jesus Himself said JOHN 14:6..J am way, truth, life: no man cometh un Fars but by me. So how did governor Felix know anythg about way? There are hundreds possible answers this question, but ever sce time Jesus thouss had received Christ as ir own personal Saviour, governor would have known this, sce he considered ruler over many m. Recall also ACTS 10 that Peter went a centurions house Caesarea, preached gospel un gentiles gared re, process y all began speak ngues after 11 oiy Ghost came upon m. This centurion Cornelius, who ultimately would answer governor at Caesarea. Such a devout man Cornelius that word what happened his house Caesarea would have long lgered as local knowledge. Perhaps Cornelius met Felix at one pot lime, however we are not ld this formation scripture. We know that many Christians resided Caesarea. Philip evangelist one m, had recently spent many days his house accordg ACIS 21:8-14. We have previously also mentioned that while is held prisoner at Caesarea Felix afforded him privilege some liberty, which accordg AdS 24:23, allowg s acquatances visit him. Certaly Philip one primary ones who would visit durg his imprisonment here at Caesarea. Obviously governor Felix knew some thgs concerng Christians, did not have a problem with s Christian friends visitg him. In short, governor Felix didn t perceive Christians as a problem. AdS 24:22 And when Felix heard se thgs, havg more perfect knowledge that way, he deferred m, sai4 When Lysias chief capta shall come down, I will know uttermost your matter. The word deferred is used just three times scripture, twice (Id Testament, once here New Testament, it simply means delay or postpone somethg. Governor Felix puttg f his decision s case until a later time usg Lysias as his excuse for delayg his judgment. Claudius Lysias would be an ideal neutral third party witness for governor Felix exame order know uttermost this matter, for Lysias would be able answer charges brought forth agast AdS 245 wher or not stirrg up sedition at Jerusalem. And Lysias could also form governor Felix about what exactly did take place durg s arrest, his subsequent encounters with Sanhedr Jerusalem. However end we never read governor Felix callg for Claudius Lysias hear what he had say s defense. We do know from AdS 252 & 3 that Jewish Sanhedr council kept on p ir case agast, when next governor Festus ok Felix s place two years later, y were right re 819

3 aga requestg furr judgment agast.. So governor Felix s best efforts defer Jews agast lasted until he no longer governor.. ACIS 24:23 tells us this about governor Felix s furr treatment Apostle : And he commed a centurion keep, let him have liberty that he should forbid none his acquatance mister or come un him. Here we see governor Felix showg Apostle some favor, but on or h he n t gog release eir. In ir book on The Life Epistles St., Conybeare Howson shed followg light, which helps us furr underst what happeng here. They wrote: When an accusation brought agast a Roman citizen, magistrate, who had crimal jurisdiction a case, appoted time for hearg cause, detaed accused cusdy durg terval. He not bound fix any defite time for trial, but might defer it at his own arbitrary pleasure; he might also commit prisoner at his discretion many several kds cusdy recognized by Roman law.. These were as follows: --First, confement public gaol (cusdia publica), which most severe kd; common gaols throughout Enpire beg dungeons worst description, where prisoners were kept chas, or even bound positions rture. Of this we have seen an example confement Silas at Philippi.. Secondly, free cusdy (cusdy libera), which mildest kd. Here accused party committed charge a magistrate or senar, who became responsible for his appearance on day trial; but this species detention only employed case men high rank.. Thirdly, military cusdy (cusdias militaris), which troduced at begng Imperial regime. In this last species cusdy accused person given charge a soldier, who responsible with his own life for safe keepg his prisoner. This furr secured by chag prisoner s right h soldiers left.. The soldiers course relieved one anor this duty.. Their prisoner usually kept ir barracks, but sometimes allowed reside a private house under ir charge. {End quotg Conybeare Howson}. So we see that Apostle given care a centurion, that he be kept cusdy, but with some liberty that his friends acquatances could come visit him at will. Governor Felix walkg a political tight rope sorts by dog this.. On one h he needed appease Jews, who he ruler over, who could cause grievous thgs agast his admistration if y felt ifi treatment. And actually hisry records that Felix lost most respect he had with Jews by his fraternizg with Gentile population, which resulted Porcius Festus beg appoted governor with a couple years from our time frame ACIS On or h Governor Felix sensed that Apostle had really done nothg worthy bonds just like Claudius Lysias letter had stated, but ACIS 24:26 notes that Felix also hope get money out, so he kept military cusdy (cusdias militaris). Even though governor Felix has been noted by us have treated fairly, end result that still held prisoner. The fact that governor Felix still held prisoner for as long as he did only shows that he had little regard for Roman law, for by keepg prisoner length time he did, he violatg Roman law concerng a Roman citizen, ir right a speedy trial. No wonder n that hisry records Felix a poor governor. Havg now looked at circumstances surroundg s imprisonment here at Caesarea, let s focus, if we can, on what takg place heart Apostle. Of course we can not see what goes on ones heart, but we can see heart attitude manifest actions a believer, We know that Apostle didn t put his confidence a man, but his confidence Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle had already penned se thoughts found 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8 For we would noi, brethren, have you ignorant our trouble which came us Asia, that we were pressed out measure, above strength, somuch that we despaired even life: 9 But we had sentence death ourselves, that we should not trust ourselves, but God which raiseth dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, doth delivet whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;... So we see that Apostle contued trust Lord irregardless circumstances. Remember that also knew some formation concerng what gog happen him, for Lord had revealed certa thgs him. Most recently Jesus had

4 appeared un ld ACTS 23:11...Be : as so must thou bear witness also Rome. The who, when, gog happen n t ld. His God God. If Felix seemed life, Apostle. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 18 While we which seen, which seen: which seen which Aga way see is with eyes full testified me Jerusalem, where, believe how this him good that this would happen, leave rest up chose exceedg eternal weight glory hold prisoner, even if it afready written se words found unjust, it cheer, at faith for thou hast responsibility governor what, workg a far greater had For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceedg eternal weight glory; thgs must have. look not at thgs only are are are temporal; but thgs such thgs but at thgs faith, which all Anor piece formation that Apostle always fact statement scripture ld Ananias doubt Ananias shared this formation un me, bear my name before For I will said un thy are not for are not seen are eternal. carried back when overcomers with Lord Damascus saved. No with, which we ACTS 9:15 But Lord him, Go way; Gentiles, 16 ok facts knew course.. PHIIJPPIANS believe him, I THESSALONIANS 3:4 when we were with you, we ld you before that we came In 2 TIMOTHY 2:12 emphasized: we we with And 2 TIMOTHY 3:12 knew: Yea, will So we see Lord full Lord Felix aid s ACTS 24:23, mister or come We have examed first part this verse concerng kd cusdy that Apostle now some now given as Caesarea. The some given, s safe mister or come This given as scope, as we will now see. And so wide is Caesarea. few ACTS 24:27 we two These two Scield two Caesarea, all. True, Apostle do lime, as Apostle two Caesarea. some s life We know said, Ephesian ACTS 20:23 await me. So we see knew, gospel Damascus Lord him, name s sake, (ACES k16) gospel would. Yet all don t Apostle some Some, Ephesians, EPIIESIANS 3:1, Gentiles Aga EPITESIANS 4:1 would add: I Lord, Christ Apostle Gentiles, knew so always it Lord who Christ Jesus! Hadn t 821 him first got fd recorded for he is a chosen vessel kgs, children Israel: shew him how great thgs he must suffer for mynam&s sake. heart, but also also reign that Caesarea that such thgs were on his race 129 For un you it is given behalf Christ, suffer for his sake;.. In pass, ye know. him:... not only se wrote on noted: For verily, should suffer tribulation; even as it If stated a fact he live godly Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. workg thgs heart a New usg governor And he commed a centurion liberty, that be should forbid none his acquatance him. prisoner here liberty held under,...should forbid none his acquatance un a prisoner reason this liberty acquatances a years at mistry verses prisoner years. years, noted by an Testament spiritual growth. keep liberty he last half verse concerns that centurion responsible for broad had, length time be fd that be didn t far reachg spread held due un him. suffer, a prisoner at Caesarea for silent years at any travelg durg this shall all that here overcomer, let him have un a privileges keepg liberty beg part number Jumpg ahead years. were not silent but his contued a slightly different fashion while beg held let s consider what ok place a little about heart attitude Apostle thgs he wrote about. (he statement he already made back his statement elders sayg that bonds afflictions abide (or expected had ld great thgs for Jesus be held effects preachg fmd race course. he states what durg se from thgs he that Holy Ghost witnesseth every city, for) bonds for preachg bad revealed un Christ, as he knew he that Apostle that he must suffer here Ananias Caesarea sufferg this we complag, but rar contug runng his particular years later when beseech you that ye walk called be an beg held prisoner, but he prisoner, dog..j still a prisoner, writes his letter prisoner Jesus for you refore, prisoner worthy vocation wherewith ye are called,... he acknowledged proclaimg vicry a part this callg meant holdg him he

5 afready written this statement m that love All thgs God, s life m And we all work good who his purpose. (ROMANS 8:28)? beg All s life All s two also time which be us. So we glimpse Lord s work meant know that are called accordg sufferg many different kds afflictions. held prisoner Caesarea for found worthy little what And re ROMANS &l 8 be gog compared with years. held prisoner. had thgs thgs ger for meant thgs afready penned this thought For I reckon that suffergs this present on glory plenty opportunity for beg held prisoner at Caesarea. shall heart apostle centurion revealed durg this time contue dog charge governor Felic...that he should forbid none his acquatance un him. life meant beg are not a his life. while Aga ACTS 24:23 given mister or come This word mister comes ay ret-eh -o, 5256 Strong s Greek Felix meant for acquatances come him, good works, such would In were give.. No doubt y came s own s were allowed with life would need, or requested.. And we s work as Apostle now Lord him Apostle comes Greek word aposlos {ap os -l--os}, 652 with Jesus Damascus, where he Gentiles whom eyes, Satan God, ss, is me. {See ACTS 26:16-i8}. The Lord tell all Gentiles wide Some were prisons, some such as ACTS now life by Lord where he be on with people, gospel detail, come What s number service, or mister. Governor freely un like services that admisterg higher. Additionally render comforts, conveniences thk aga. lest from a rarely used Greek Concordance, meang such need. his needs, received far more spiritual benefit than y lift thk that Remember that word number one sent forth road he Strong s Greek acquatances that right where orders. The Apostle beg sent, from power se orders verb hupereteo {hoop prayer, render be able mistry my md those acquatances spirits, went out with an wanted ir furnish him able spirits lifted any beg hdered, let us his life. at this pot from concordance, it means a delegate, or a messenger, ld open ir un received his order from be a mister a witness un heritance among m which are sanctified by faith that didn t runng free. that centurion that enterg a period his spend more time one much for both one se designed turn m from darkness that y may receive forgiveness keep were out were assigned commed gog his acquatances, teachg his answerg any questions that may acquatances, for himself. here up. prisoners Christ on light, open spaces prison, able an opportunity this Let s who two years he with same ACTS 20:4.. ACIS 20:4 And Thessalonians. Tious; Tychicus Trophimus. Copley calls we {see se notesl, Our is all all with, did, would while Caesarea. seven we ACTS 21:29 Also ACTS 27:2 tells with when he sailed from Caesarea, so, doubt, with two years that Caesarea. COLOSS1ANS 4:10 mentions Aristarchus, PHILEMON 24 fellowlabourer.. Thus we see close Apostle, Luke These two years that would be held Caesarea would Luke us Caesarea, Luke ACES Apostles. While know easily Luke 822 durg consider list acquatances at Caesarea. The his arrest at Jerusalem were no doubt re accompanied him Asia Secundus; Gas Bror m before, went free from Aristarchus way visit him durg se pages Derbe, Sopater Berea; se men ACTS 20:4 Jerusalem as a feflowprisoner cusdy that Trophimus made it names those travelg as found Asia faithful seven, if y that Aristarchus stayed near him for rest s life. with opportunity probably with assumption could have visited him that certaly y ( above mentioned Jerusalem. very no Additionally ACES 20:5 from that pot forward his life. accomplish much work he left writg gospel accordg LUKE, prison didn t already about. he him before Aristarchus have studied se men have been know that names Aristarchus a dicates that afford perfect scripture, that beg his could acquire formation on details s could have formed visitg life that he about everyday

6 experiences he had on his early missionary journeys before Luke joed him on later trips. Recall that Apostle sent on his missionary journeys from Anti och, Syria, that a proment man that assembly, perhaps ir pasr, Theophflus, whom Luke addressed his two scriptural documents. Srndy LUKE 1:1-4 ACTS 1:1 2}. Certaly knew Theophilus, must have one way or anor encouraged Luke write him.. Luke addresses Theophilus as though he knew him also, however scripture doesn t tell how this. In LUKE 1:1 & 2 Luke explas Theophilus that sries he is writg were true sries... those thgs which are most surely believed among us,... as ld by those..which from begng were eyewitnesses, misters worck In or words Luke his gospel LUKE & is writg order sries Jesus that he knows is true, because he terviewed many eyewitnesses, who...by many fallible pros... witnessed events surroundg Jesus His mistry, even forty days He mistered after His resurrection! In his record ACTS Apostles Luke expounds on what ok place from time Jesus taken up (ACTS 1:2) until time when Rome. A lot thgs Luke wrote his scripture records are not recorded else where. For example, consider Mary Mor Jesus. Luke had have terviewed her. No doubt Mary ld Luke sry Zacharias Elisabeth, parents John Baptist, because Mary cous Elisabeth accordg LUKE L.36, Mary stayed with m for three months accordg LUKE 156. In my md re is little doubt that Mary ld Luke sry how angel Gabriel came un her explaed about birth Jesus. No doubt it Mary Mor Jesus who ld Luke LUKE 2:19 that she pondered many thgs she heard about Jesus her heart, for how would Luke know what thoughts were her heart, unless she revealed m un him? Study LUKE 2:18 also see that re were thgs ld by shepherds who were watchg ir flocks on night Jesus born; thgs ld Luke by Mary Mor Jesus, Luke wrote se thgs down his gospel reconl No doubt Mary also ld Luke sry Jesus as a twelve year old LUKE how aga she kept all se saygs Jesus as a twelve year old her heart. Mary didn t ponder se thgs, or keep se saygs her heart for rest her life, for she shared se thoughts her heart with Luke, who wrote some m down ThE ACTS. We wouldn t know that Mary Mor his gospel records LUKE, Jesus His brors were upper room with Apostles had not Luke recorded this for us ACIS 1:14. So we see that Luke got a lot formation about life Jesus from Mary Mor Jesus herself, he had time do this while Apostle beg held prisoner at Caesarea. Additionally Luke must have terviewed several ors Jerusalem who were re on day Pentecost, that were filled with Holy Ghost, began speak with or ngues as Holy Spirit gave m utterance. The Apostles Peter John could have also been terviewed by Luke several times durg two years prisoner Caesarea, have given Luke many details recorded for us 12. With previous month from our time frame ACTS ACTS 2, 1-24, Luke would have been troduced Philip evangelist when his travelg companions stayed at Philip s house. {Study ACTS 21:8-1O}. Philip evangelist lived Caesarea, certaly would have been one acquatances allowed visit with durg se two years. Luke n also would had ample opportunity fill gaps what ok place between Pentecost, sng Stephen.. In order complete 8th chapter ACTS Luke would had terview Philip. Perhaps Philip also related details Luke that are found 6th chapter ACTS also. Certaly Philip Stephen were close associates, much formation we have concerng Stephen may have come from Philip. The content Stephen s sermon found ACTS 7 could have only come from one source, former Saul Tarsus, who now Apostle. The words Stephen s sermon pricked Saul Tarsus heart, were remembered by him for years come, related Luke, who put m writg. ACT S It is quite possible that Cornelius, a Gentile centurion Caesarea accordg toil, may have also been terviewed by Luke durg se two years that beg held prisoner Caesarea. if Luke didn t terview Cornelius, he certaly came 823

7 across or who knew him, were familiar with events that ok place house Cornelius where gift Holy Ghost first poured out upon Gentiles, y spake with ngues, all this accordmg ACES 10: Certaly Peter also could have given Luke his perspective on this outstg event, no doubt Peter did fill much details recorded ACTS 10. Similarly events ACTS 12 that volved Peter s escape from Herod s prison may have been ld Luke by Peter himself. Possibly John whose surname is Mark also ld Luke se very same events, for John Mark s name is first mentioned by Luke ACTS 12:12. The rest events ACES 12 through ACTS 28 Luke recorded from terviews with Apostle himself from his personal experiences as a travelg companion Apostle, especially from ACTS 20:5 on. One most terestg sries Luke found book ACTS ( my way thkg) concerns Philip, whom we have discussed before. {See se notes startg on page 682}. (W seven men honest report, full Holy Ghost wisdom appoted over busess misterg Grecian widows, servg tables ACES 6, Philip s name comes up more than any rest. In tal we fd this Philip s name mentioned sixteen times scripture, sixteen aga is number LOVE (1 CORINTHIANS 13, LOVE chapter Bible list sixteen pots LOVE..) Philip s mistry is expounded by Luke 8th chapter ACTS, ACTS 8:40 we fd Philip evangelist,, as he became known, takg up residence Caesarea.. Philip one ones noted ACTS &1 be scattered abroad after sng Stephen, who no doubt a very close associate Philip. It s hard put a defite time le on how much time has elapsed sce sng Stephen until events ACTS 24, but around twenty twenty five years have passed sce that time. We fd Philip still residg Caesarea ACTS 21:8, for Apostle, Luke, rest those travelg with, stayed house Philip evangelist Caesarea.. This would have been about three or four weeks before events we have been studyg about ACTS 24. So, connectg dots, we fd that Philip evangelist be one s acquatances that would be allowed visit while beg held prisoner here Caesarea.. One surface this may not appear be such a big deal,, but go back review treatment Stephen received, how it Saul Tarsus who stg by givg his approval as Stephen beg sned death for his testimony Jesus Christ. This very same Saul Tarsus is now Apostle, a man now very much like Stephen, full Holy Ghost, wisdom, full faith, power, who did great wonders among people; a man who now himself has been brought before very same Jewish Sanhedr that Stephen brought before. If Philip ever harbored any resentment, or bitterness agast Saul Tarsus, Apostle, we do not read it scripture. Just opposite is shown us Philip, for he manifests love God Apostle as he taught by Apostles do. The Apostle John, Apostle Peter, Apostle all wrote scripture a tal twelve times fact that we are love one anor. I am sure my own md that, Philip, Luke were all gared ger one day when pic Stephen came up.. Eternity will tell who brought subject Stephen up first, but I image it Apostle who first ld how those Holy Ghost spired words Stephen pricked his conscience day night until day he himself met Jesus on road Damascus, surrendered his life un God. also probably also related how that re n t a day that went by that he didn t remember seeg that sweet face an angel, Stephen {Study ACTS 6:1 5}.. And how mistry Stephen affected his own life. would n express his gratitude un Lord that he would even be put mistry by lord,, be even accounted as least Apostles, even though he felt he n t fit be called an Apostle, because he persecuted church God. ISee I CORINTHIANS l5:9. Philip would n relate many accounts from life Stephen, how it by power Holy Ghost that he did so many great, mighty miracles among people. And Luke would put se sries down on paper, later write m aga his letter Theophilus, which we know at ACTS Apostles. Now for next two years Philip hail opportunity learn first h gospel from s own mouth! What wonderful fellowship y must had. And man that felt responsible for harm that came Stephen, let Lord use 824

8 hi mister his doctres. becomes gospel un Philip. The spread m through his a great example us a New end result beg that Philip own evangelistic mistry. Testament full overcomer. Spirit left us an example fact that Philip ended up away Philip from one place transportg him outward translation that ACIS &39 & 401. Philip s will I this church got Thus thk that age, learn Philip Holy catchg anor an stant, a figure take place at end this church name means lover horses, figuranvely speakg Apostle be associated with,. showg age. isee aga that he loved race, one best race horses (if you will) ACIS 24:24 And after certa a Jewess, he sent for, his heard him concerng faith days, when Felix came with he reasoned righteousness, temperance, judgment answered, Go 26 He hoped also thy way for this time when that money should have I have a convenient been given him. him: wherefore he sent for him tener, communed with wife Drusilia. Christ. 25 And as come, Feliic season, him. I will call which tremble4 for e. that he might loose We some Felix {See 798 notes.} In we see more Felix s Apostle we see Felix wife Drusilla, jewess,,jewish be exact, also say. all She I ACIS 12 II, whom will ACJS 26. When Epiphanes, Kg Coagene, who would However did so Drusillas bror Agrippa II 53 Al). Drusilla by II Azizus, Kg Emesa, Azizus, Felix saw, fell Drusilla, with Felix, as she laws Felix. Hisry wife Felix, son by Felix. son se And prcess that Drusifla have considered verse se verses that a real beauty. fame, sister Herod Agrippa son Antiochus, account. refused bror Agrippa married Drusilla six Epiphanes character brought his hear what Apostle years old she not keep his word, ratify marriage. Around earlier. teraction with had a Hisrians daughter Herod Agrippa Apostle promised marriage had said he upon his consent page a. agree be brought before embrace Judaism on her given marriage love with persuade her leave her husb, marry him. Drusilla n transgress forefars, marry for Josephus noted, that she had at least one prevailed upon records that Drusilla Drusilia this her be circncised. While used his fluence livg third adultery her hers were killed approximately twenty-one years after our time frame ACIS 24 by a volcanic eruption Mount Vesuvius 79 Al)., durg which well died. The ACIS tells Felix...sent, No some Felix, Apostle own Christ. Felix wife some merit that Drusifla may have been Felix. ACtS gives Felix Drusilla, come. The Greek word translated reasoned here is come study, which is dialegomai {dee-al-eg -om-ahee}, 1256 Strong s also New Testament scripture as with, speak, un.. Clearly Apostle Felix people last part late summer concerng faith Christ. responsible for his keepg more than glad Jesus Wher governor us that doubt for over one thous heard him had learned from soldiers now personal hisry governor share his long been a pot debate, which bears sent for more familiar with doctre Jesus Christ than this Concordance, Drusilia. come. statg that testimony concerng his faith on account his us an outle s gospel message he preached un translated preach, preach The order s Drusilla has reasoned righteousness, temperance, judgment sermon let s thk about this for a moment. Governor hun terms similar one we number have dispute, reason preached un arross before Greek reason,... righteousness, temperance, judgment how Tertullus had addressed him with flowery words that put governor on a high Felix ACIS 24:2-4, pedestal The Apostle so used people speakg which words dog lovg as he preached on pics... righteousness, temperance, judgment come,... come from spiration subjects that wouldn t spire need hear, open ir power Satan un eyes, God, Holy Ghost, Felix set let his kd free, but facts that all sners turn m from darkness un light, from that y heritance among m which are sanctified by faith that o 825 may receiie forgiveness ss, is Christ Jesus,

9 paraphrasg from ACTS 26:18. If motive Felix Drusilla get some kd entertament or amusement from Apostle, y got more than y bargaed for. If y iruiy wanted hear s gospel message, n y also got more than y expected.. No matter ir motive, y were privileged, wher y realized it or not, hear first h truth gospel from mouth Apostle Gentiles! Let s look at three pots s sermon governor Felix Drusilla outled here verse 25 startg with righteousness, so let s address this subject first. Bror Hill used make this statement God can not look on s with least degree allowance. This is a true statement, yet not a direct quote from scripture. However HABAKKUK 1:13 makes a similar statement concerng Lord God, statg part: Thou art purersthan behold evil, canst not look on iquity Yet on cross Calvary, Jesus Christ, who knew no s, made s for us, as explaed 2 CORINThIANS 5-21 For he hath made him be s for us, who knew no s; that we might be made righteousness God him. While Jesus on cross we fd that re a three hour span when darkness over l. MATIIIEW 27:45 & 46 states it like this: Now from sixth hour re darkness over all l un nth hour 46 And about nth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, sayg, Eli, Eli, lama sabacbthani? that is say, My Go4 my Gc4 why hast thou forsaken me? It durg this time span darkness when Jesus made s for us that face God turned away from our Saviour, for fact God can not look on s with least degree allowance. ROMANS 5:8 reads: But God commendeth his love ward us, that, while we were yet sners, Christ died for us. HEBREWS 1ft12 goes on state this concerng Jesus But this man, alter he bad fered one sacrifice for ss for ever, sat down on right h G4_. Let s also note one more statement found HEBREWS 1:9 concerng our blessed lord Saviour Jesus Christ Thou hast loved righteousness, hated iquity; refore God, even thy God, hath anoted e with oil gladness above thy fellows. These are kd facts that Apostle may have used as he began reason with governor Felix his wife Drusifla about righteousness. Man s logic would beg a discourse with likes sful Felix Drusilla by addressg judgment come first, but that not way Holy Ghost spired witness un m. Perhaps recalled his own testimony un m, how that as a persecur church God he unwittgly chiefest sners, yet God dealt with him mercy, rar than judgment later wrote this statement found TITUS 2:11-14 For grace God that brgeth salvation hath appeared all men, 12 Teachg us that;, denyg ungodless worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, godly, this present world; 13 Lookg for that blessed hope glorious appearg great Gal our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iquity purify un himself a peculiar people, zealous good works.. It s impossible for us exactly know where Holy Ghost led start his discourse before governor Felix, his wife Drusilla, but may have recalled a statement he wrote ROMANS 3:10 (referencg facts found PSALMS ) on how that There is none righteous, no, not one. Perhaps Apostle gave facts concerng Abram, before he called Abraham, GENF5IS 15:6 where it is noted that Abram believed IORL), he counted it him for righteousness. (Three times recent letters Apostle has quoted this scripture, once ROMANS 43, next ROMAN S 422, aga GAIATIANS 3:6). could have n gone on state some more facts he had penned his letter ROMANS; on how that...all have sned,, come short glory (1o4 (ROMANS 3:23); how that...god cammendeth his love ward us, that, while we were yet sners, Christ died for us... (ROMANS 5:8). next could have quoted from ROMANS 10:9-13 where he wrote: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Lord Jesac, shalt believe the heart that God hath raised him For with heart man believeth un from dead, thou shalt be saved. JO righteousness; with mouth confession is made un salvation.. ii For scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For re is no difference between Jew Greek for same lord over all is rich un all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon name Lord shall be saved. 826

10 This would have been all needed say on this subject...as he reasoned righteousness..., before Felix Drusilla. Next moved on his sermon Felix Drusilla, reasoned temperance, which references a broad sense self-control The thought temperance used here denotes a restrat all passions evil clations, may be applied such thgs a prudence, chastity, moderation general. More specifically had also recently written his letter un GAIATIANS se kds thgs, stated GAIATIANS 5:19 Now works flesh are manifest; which are se; Adultery fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envygs, murders, drunkenness, revellgs, such like: which I tell you before, as I have also ld you time past; that y which ck.. such thgs shall not herit kgdom Gai Perhaps as reasoned temperance before Felix l)rusilla, he listed se items, knowg full well that both Felix Drusilla were participants se kds activities, as are mast sners, later would aga write un Timothy state mankd, notg this 2 TIMOTHY 3:1 This know also, that last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers ir own selves,, coveus, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient parents unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, content; fierce, despisers those that are goo4 4 Trairs, heady, highrnded, lovers pleasures more than lovers Havg a form godless, but denyg power re from such turn away. None se thgs are foreign any us, for we live se last days where all this kd activity has become more more common place.. But back Apostle, image brgg all this up governor Felix, who has power authority set you free! We see here that Apostle not a respecr persons, had already written this statement ROMANS 2:11 For re is no respect persons with GrxL See also EPHFSIANS 6c9 COLOfSIANS Certaly governor Felix, his wife Drusilla could sense that Apostle here preachg m truth love without fear personal repercussions. Note what later wrote un Timothy his first letter him: 1 TIMOTHY 2:1 1 exhort refore, that; first all, supplications, prayers, tercessions. givg thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kgs, for all that are authority, that we may lead a quiet peaceable life all godless honesty. 3 For this is gid acceptable sight GtxlourSaviour; 4 Who will have all men be saved, come un knowledge truth. 5For re is one Gc4 one mediar between God men, man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, be testified due time. 7 Whereun 1 am ordaed a preacher, an apostle, (1 speak truth Christ, lie not;) a teacher Gentiles faith verity (truth).. Truly as we have noted before, Apostle had spirit a full overcomer, had this heart attitude expressed Ephesian elders ACES 2024 But none se thgs move me, neir count 1 my life dear un myseli, so that I might fish my course with joy, mistly, which I have received Lord Jesus, testify gospel grace GxL Certaly preached governor Felix his wife Drusilla... gospel grace GaL This n sonic serious preachg that Apostle allowed ck by power Holy Ghost before Felix Drusilla, which he concluded with a discourse on judgment come. Where does this judgment come occur? This depends upon one s personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself stated JOHN 524 Verily, verily, Isay un you lie that heareth my word, believeth on him that sent me, hath everlastg life, shall not come condemnation; but is passed from death un life. In or words, believer when he accepts Jesus his heart as his own personal Saviour, also accepts judgment that passed upon Christ for him on cross Calvary, thus judgment come that addressed Felix Drusilla about is really a non issue with believer, havg already been dealt with on cross Calvary. already emphasized his letter ROMANS this fact, statg ROMANS & 1 There is refore now no condemnation m which are Christ Jesus,

11 There is plenty scripture back se facts up. We just read ROMANS 8:1 that... There is refore now no condemnation m which are Christ Jesus,... ISAIAH 53:6 explas why, because... LORD hath laid on him iquity us all. PSALMS 103:12 tells us: As far as east is from wesl, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Read ISAIAH 38:17 note last part this verse:...but thou hast love my soul delivered it from pit corruption: for thou hast cast all my ss behd thy back. ISAIAH 43:25 tells us se words Lord: j, even j, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for me own sake, will not remember thy ss. HEBREWS 8:12 contues this thought those who know Lord as ir Saviour, statg: For I will be merciful ir unrighteousness, ir ss ir iquities will I remember no more. This thought is repeated HEBREWS 10:17 And ir ss iquities will I remember no more. MICAH 7:18 & 19 reads: Who is a God like un e, that pardon eth iquity, passeth by transgression remnant his heritage? he retaeth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth mercy. 19 He will turn aga, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iquities; thou wilt cast all ir ss depths sea. Thus we see that believer There is refore now no condemnation m which are Christ Jesus,... as we read above ROMANS 8:1. However our text ACTS 24:25, Felix Drusilla, as unbelievg sners addressg, will face judgment come that ld m about, that is if y didn t accept Jesus ir own heart as ir own personal Saviour, re is no scriptural evidence that y did, even though y were given an excellent opportunity here ACTS 24 do so. The judgment come for unbelievers is spoken REVELATION 20. REVELATION 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, him that sat on it, from whose face earth heaven fled away; re found no place for m. 12 And I saw dead, small great st before God, books were opened: anor book opened, which is book life: dead were judged out those thgs which were written books, accordg ir works. 13 And sea gave up dead which were it; death hell delivered up dead which were m: y were judged every man accordg ir works. 14 And death hell were cast lake fire. This is second death. 15 And whosoever not found written book life cast lake fire. Perhaps Apostle concluded his sermon Felix Drusilla on this subject judgment come with similar words found HEBREWS 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at first began be spoken by Lord, confirmed un us by m that heard him;...? The callg Apostle preach gospel; preach word; be stant season, out season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long sufferg doctre as wrote un Timothy 2 TIMOTHY 4:2. s mission not convict, or convce governor Felix, his wife Drusilla s, for that is function Holy Ghost. Jesus stated that this mission Holy Ghost JOHN 16:8, where He noted that... when he is come, he will reprove world s, righteousness, judgment:.... The Greek word that is translated reprove JOHN 16:8, (number 1651 Strong s Greek Concordance, elegcho el-eng -kho}), also translates convce, or convict. It n t Apostle s job convict Felix Drusilla s, but rar preach gospel un m by unction, power Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost did convictg here. This is evident because reaction governor Felix noted ACTS 24:25 And as he reasoned righteousness, temperance, judgment come, Felix trembled Felix trembled means that he thrown fear; he became terrified; he affrighted; short he afraid. See number 1719 Strong s Greek Concordance, emphobos {em -fob-os}}. There is a bit irony here, for, prisoner Jesus Christ for speakg truth gospel, faced a judge (Felix) who not used hearg truth, unaccusmed beg talked such a manner that would throw his conscience such a mental state alarm. The irony: prisoner preached freedom from s a free man his wife, both who were bound s, didn t realize ir captivity law s which ir members. ACTS 24:25 tells us that as...reasoned righteousness, temperance, judgment come, Felix trembled, answered Felix answered what? Obviously preachg Apostle caused governor Felix answer question about his 828

12 soul Perhaps Apostle made a similar statement un governor Felix his wife Drusilla that we read his sermon those Antioch Pisidia ACTS 13:38 & 39, which may have been stated by like this: Be it known un you refore, governor Mrs. Felix that through Jesus Christ is preached un you forgiveness ss: And by him all that believe are justified from all thgs, from which ye could not be justified by law Moses. What ever question, or statement, that Apostle asked governor, it power Holy Ghost that made Felix tremble, pride a foolish heart that responded with se words:... Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for e. When Philippian jailer faced with a similar situation ACTS 16:29 & 30, he came, Silas, tremblg fell before m, said:.. Sirs, what must I do be saved? Here ACTS 24:25 Felix had an opposite response urgg Holy Ghost,... answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for e. These words have rank as some saddest found uttered scripture, for we never aga read Felix discussg with concerng faith Christ (verse 24). Aga as we noted above quotg from 1 TIMOTHY 2:4, our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ would...have all men be saved, come un knowledge truth. But Felix here rejected unction Holy Ghost as Apostle formed him concerng his faith Christ. Perhaps this episode spired Apostle pen followg statement found HEBREWS 6. HEBREWS 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, have tasted heavenly gift, were made partakers Holy Ghost, 5And have tasted good word God, powers world come, 6 If y shall fall away, renew m aga un repentance; seeg y crucify mselves Son God afresh, put him an open shame. It is amazg me how many different opions re are concerng meang se three verses HEBREWS. These verses must be rightly divided, as must all scripture. wrote Timothy, a Bible student, close associate Apostle : 2 TIMOTHY 2:15 Study shew thyself approved un God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividg word truth. To Corthians wrote 1 CORINTHIANS 14:33 For God is not author confusion, but peace, as all churches sats. If re is confusion your own md concerng above verses from HEBREWS 6, guess where that came from? Let s exame se verses from HEBREWS 6 ir context, a little more detail, be clear our hearts mds on what is beg said here. Then as you later read study commentars this portion scripture may you o see those who correctly divide word truth, those who don t. And thank God for men like Bror Copley, Pasrs like D. E. Hill, Gene Hawks who have taught us scripture rightly divided! Bror Copley his study book on HEBREWS writes: Remember several facts studyg followg perplexg verses. First, Epistle not written for Gentile backsliden believers. It written Hebrew Christians, that y might see Jesus Christ as complete fulfillment all d Testament types, shadows symbols. Second, it has no reference backsliders day, or any day. If it did, n no backslider could ever be resred; for it reads plaly, It is impossible renew m un repentance, who were once enlightened. There is positively no pro here that people may be saved afterward lost forever. Notice grammar here. In verses 4 6, pronomal adjective those pronoun y refer persons absent, or at a distance. Them, y those always mean persons, or thgs spoken ; but pronouns, you, your ye (verses 9-12) mean persons addressed, or spoken. (Let me add here, so do us verse 1, we verse 3.) Do you see difference? By se grammatical fger-posts, it is pla that writer spoke 10 one company, ABOUT anor company. Keep se facts md all difficulties will vanish. addressed himself believg Hebrews, struct m about mselves also about unbelievg Hebrews, who had light enough save m if y had accepted light. {End quotg Bror Copley for now. } Let s read aga from HEBREWS 6, verse 1-12, see what Bror Copley talkg about. HEBREWS 6:1 Therefore leavg prciples doctre Christ, let go on un perfection; not layg aga foundation repentance from dead 829

13 works, faith ward God, 2 Of doctre baptisms, layg on hs, resurrection dead, eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, have tasted heavenly gift, were made partakers Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted good word God, powers world come, 6 If y shall fall away, renew m aga un repentance; seeg y crucify mselves Son God afresh, put him an open shame. 7 For earth which drketh ra that cometh t upon it, brgeth forth herbs meet for m by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessg from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns briers is rejected,, is nigh un cursg; whose end is be burned. 9 But, beloved, are persuaded better thgs gjj, thgs that accompany salvation, though thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous forget your work labour love, which have shewed ward his name, that have mistered sats, do mister. 11 And desire that every one p do shew same diligence full assurance hope un end: 12 Thaty be not slothful, but followers m who through faith patience herit promises. Now let us read some more from Bror Copley s comments as he explas verses 4 through 6. In your Bible, put a parensis after those (verse 4) after away (verse 6), so that it will read thus, 4 For it is impossible for those [who were once enlightened, have tasted heavenly gift, were made partakers Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted good word God, powers world come, 6 If y shall fall away,] renew m aga un repentance; seeg y crucify mselves Son God afresh, put him an open shame. The six statement verses 4 5 expla who those were what y did. Statement #1. They were once enlightened concerng Jesus Gospel; for y had heard Him apostles Peter, James John. They were convicted that Jesus Messiah that promised Holy Spirit had been poured out. Let me terject here that those... who were once enlightened.., Jesus day, s lifetime, knew what y were dog, for y saw Light, maybe even saw Jesus Himself perform His miracles, or Apostles after Pentecost, dog same, but y didn t follow Light. ACTS 4:16 verifies this where we Jewish Sanhedr: Sayg, What shall we do se men? for that deed a notable miracle hath been done by m is manifest au m that dwell Jerusalem; we cannot deny it. Statement #2. They tasted heavenly Gift that is, Jesus, who had announced Himself true Bread from heaven (JOHN 6:32). A taste is a very little, just enough determe genueness, or palatableness food, tho not enough afford nourishment. For example, a child said, Salt is what makes porridge taste bad when it is left out. The Jews heard sufficient truth convce m, but did not eat enough convert save m. Here Bror Copley references JOHN 7:28 which reads: Then cried Jesus temple as he taught, sayg, Ye both know me, ye know whence I am: I am not come mysell but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. A we taster doesn t swallow we, but spits it out after determg its quality. Statement # 3. And were made partakers Holy Ghost. This does not mean that y were baptized, or anoted with Spirit. They simply tasted Holy Spirit, even as y tasted Christ; for y could not receive Spirit without first receivg Saviour. Here Bror Copley refers John 14:17, which states: Even Spirit truth; whom world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neir knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, shall be you. The Spirit had been poured out upon all flesh, convictg sners ir ss Jewish worshipers ir opposition Christ -- ACTS 2:38. ACES 2:38 reads: Then Peter said un m, Repent, be baptized every one you name Jesus Christ for remission ss, ye shall receive gift Holy Ghost. They were confounded, amazed marveled, hearg m speak ir own ngues. Those who yielded Spirit s presence power, became filled with Spirit. They believed received became you ye whom wrote ( HEBREWS 830

14 6:9 & 10). Ors mocked 30 m those ( HEBREWS 6:4-6). Stated way, Jews whom his HEBREWS, were went along with good works Holy Ghost by Jesus Christ, His Apostles, it, as we above, didn t become # 4. God. The same as They power Spirit. Jesus (MATfHEW 13:19) good seed sown wayside wicked one it away. The Word with it; became I have known people it down it. They only good Word; saved by example God,... is when words Jesus LUKE 4:22, all didn t believe. LUKE 4:22 And all witness, words which said, Is this Joseph s son? And all when se thgs, were with wrath, 29 And up, city, him brow built; him down 30 But m If tasted good word God here LUKE 4 were why were filled with at Jesus # 5. Those Jews also The at by ACTS 4:13 o, believe even tasted good word God, seen dynamics, Copley writes: They witnessed miracles, signs wonders, which were age. seven if Jews as Savior Kg; said, We will Man us. The meang five boiled down one -- is simply this; were by saved filled with Spirit if it with They were Old Testament types symbols were beg Jesus Christ, New Way way. Salvation shadows, Christ, glorious Substance. The by miracles, signs His name. 6. away ) means: deliberately step back Jesus Christ, apostatize. a way from clear light given m, They could have simply away neglect, away -- Son God or exposed Him They God s Son His plan. Copley goes on HEBREWS 10:26 & 27 For we Jesus Christ as God s only we (no ss, But a which The Christ God no They received knowledge which fered. From knowledge, fell away, apostatized, by it. They did backslide with Holy Spirit, s, weakness flesh, Christ. A sample away is ACTS 7: {ACTS 7:54 When thgs, were on him with teeth. 55 But he, Holy Ghost; looked saw on God, 56 And said, Behold, I see opened, Son on voice, ears, 831 referencg couldn t deny Statement prciple obtas here heart hearers heard Anor fended. fight marvelled at gracious bare him his mouth. And out y heard y might cast his way y Statement scholars John y led se that scorned, received nothg but judgment letter noted that manifest yet y anor re, se believers. And have tasted good word foregog, taught hearers; but ir havg tasted joy received years later, se for y heard Word preached taught that snatched sny ground but beg persecuted afterward, rejoice over Truth, afterwards turn but were not...tasted good word yet y wondered at gracious not un headlong. wrath tasted filled Sanhedr council marvelled had super-natural workgs Pentecostal power were ir enlightened -- Truth but fall have been se but y didn t y rose hill whereon ir city he passg through midst believg it. y proceeded out synagogue, thrust him that went believers, n statements, willg kill Him? dynamics age come. m, word God spoken though y had Peter powers world come. Bror millennial begng millennium, but y statements, persuaded that that Statement # wonders, aga un repentance. y crucify shame, y wrought Indeed first not have this first earnests years had received Jesus reign over y were once arrested sufficiently convicted y had received right Truth y heard not confirmed Therefore, Apostle If y shall fall away (literally havg fallen from faith or postponement; but ir fallg Bror mselves willfully (deliberately reject after that contempt. reference it is impossible repented heart. fulfilled many concludes, If y shall renew m turng hateful revengeful afresh, put him renounced notg: by seeg an open redemptive if s ample necessary sacrifice) have received knowledge truth, re remaeth no more or) sacrifice for ( evitable consequence) lookg for judgment fiery dignation, sacrifice enough, accepted Truth, but not salvation y experience fallg gnashed or salvation anotg or because recorded y heard se ir stedfastly heaven, right h God. 57 Then rejectg beg only babes glory God, heavens y cried out with a y certa fearful shall devour adversaries. or. Truth cut beg full Jesus stg loud had not because that from or such heart; y up right h man stg spped ir

15 raii upon him with one accord,, 58 And cast him out city, sned him: witnesses laid down ir clos at a young man feet, whose name Saul. 59 And y sned Stephen, callg upon God, sayg, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. } Stephen s audience agast Christ, They sned willfully. When his message cut m heart, y gnashed on him with ir teeth. When he said, I see heavens opened Son man stg on right h God, y cried out with a loud voice, spped ir ears, ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out city, sned him. In ir wicked hearts, y crucified Christ aga put Him open contempt. For such folk, re is no repentance, no salvation, no hope. They committed unpardonable s, s agast Holy Ghost. Only one s cannot be forgive, viz., willful s rejectg Jesus Christ as Redeemer Savior. { End quotg from Bror Copley. Havg now examed meang what wrote HEBREWS 6:4-6, let s read this sentence aga. HEBREWS 64 For it is impossible for those [who were once enlightened, have tasted heavenly gift, were made partakers Holy Ghost, SAnd have tasted good word God, powers world come, 6 If y shall fall away, I renew m aga un repentance; seeg y crucify mselves Son God afresh, put him an open shame. The gist sentence is this: For it is impossible renew m aga un repentance;.... To renew aga is almost like a redundancy, but that is not case here. They were brought pot repentance at one time, but if y step back away from repentance, knowg full well what y are dog, n is sayg, such a one can t be brought back that pot aga. All or statements parensis Bror Copley s suggestion expla who those unbelievers were what y did, as we noted above. Now back our lesson here ACTS 24:25 as Apostle preached un Felix, his wife Drusilla,...reasoned righteousness, temperance, judgment come,... we se that...felix trembled, answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for e. We never read a convenient season ever comg aga governor Felix, for reasons explaed above. Felix his wife Drusilla were fered opportunity a life time, which eternal life, bought paid for by Jesus Christ on cross Calvary, y rejected His great salvation. Scripture doesn t record any alarm by Drusilla, perhaps because she had rejected Christ s fer salvation many times before. What a sad thought. As for governor Felix we read that he did call for several times after this, for ACTS 24:26 tells us He hoped also that money should have been given him, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him ten er, communed with him. Here we glimpse heart Felix, whose heart set on a corruptible earn treasure, money. Felix comfortable converse with after this, but subject Felix terested talkg about money. He hoped also that money should have been given him. s focus sce acceptg Jesus his heart on road Damascus always on Lord, not on money. There is a sad irony here concerng Felix. his desire exrt money out, that irony is this. The Apostle, accordg EPHESIANS 3:8, sent preach un Gentiles... unsearchable riches Christ,... governor Felix got hear this message from mouth Apostle many times, yet spiritually poverty stricken Felix never did see that he poor needy; that he needed a Saviour; that he needed redemption through Christ s blood, forgiveness ss, accordg exceedg riches God s grace His kdness ward us through Christ Jesus. {Study EPHESIANS 1:7 2:7.} presented un Felix that which money could never buy, eternal life through Jesus Christ our Saviour! fered Felix opportunity his lifetime; best deal ever made anyone; opportunity be...justified freely by his grace through redemption that is Christ Jesus:... ROMANS 3:24, opportunity be freely given all thgs. ROMANS 8:32 tells us: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all thgs? Aga we ask this question penned HEBREWS 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at first began be spoken by Lord,, confirmed un us by m that heard him;...? 832

16 We have just spent a great deal time gog over followg verses: ACTS 24:24 And after certa days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which a Jewess, he sent for, heard him concerng faith Christ. 25 And as he reasoned righteousness, temperance, judgment come, Felix trembled, answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for e. 26 He hoped also that money should have been given him, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him tener, communed with him. And we have previously mentioned that C. I. Scield his Bible commentary calls time between se verses, ACTS 24:27 silent two years at Caesarea. However, as we have also noted, se two years Caesarea which we are given very little detail by Luke, were not really silent years at all, but rar years where Apostle got spend a lot time fellowship with those who would visit him, list potential visirs that Apostle may have had durg this time considerable. Before we move on, let s pause reflect just how important this one episode recorded s two years as Felix s prisoner at Caesarea. This one event concerned s dealgs with governor Felix, should highlight us once aga importance emphasized scripture one man s life, his, or hers, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Essentially asked Felix, what will you do with Jesus? All men must answer this question for mselves. The believer answers this question by askg Jesus come ir heart, however governor Felix, when given opportunity believe on Jesus name, sent messenger away, hopg for a more convenient season, which, our knowledge, never came aga for him. ld Philippian jailor ACTS 16:31...Believe on Lord Jesus Christ, thou shalt be saved, thy house. Governor Felix trembled, dismissed such urgg. The Apostle John wrote JOHN 1:12 & 13 about Jesus, said: But as many as received him, m gave he power become sons God, even m that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not blood, nor will flesh, nor will man, but God. wrote Timothy about fact that he, himself, before a sner, even chiefest sners, havg been a blasphemer, a persecur, jurious, Howbeit for this cause I obtaed mercy, that me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsufferg, for a pattern m which should hereafter believe on him life everlastg... 1 TIMOTHY 1:16. Later Apostle John wrote 1 JOHN 3:23 And this is his commment, That we should believe on name his Son Jesus Christ, love one anor as he gave us commment. And aga 1 JOHN 5:13 he penned: These thgs have I written un you that believe on name Son God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, that ye may believe on name Son God. All urgg Felix do believe on Lord Jesus Christ, which eternally would have changed governor s life, put his name Lamb s book life. The last thg we read governor Felix ACTS 24 is found verse 27: But after two years Porcius Festus came Felix room: Felix; willg shew Jews a pleasure, left bound. We will talk about new governor shortly, but let s note here that Felix left bound. The reason Felix left bound is noted... shew Jews a pleasure Conybeare Howson note that Felix no doubt violation Roman law leave a Roman citizen bound, but Felix s motive dog so aga... shew Jews a pleasure Desperate men resort desperate measures, Felix himself called back Rome face charges his mal-admistration Judaea by Jews Caesarea, who ld Nero crimes Felix did un Jews while he governor. Perhaps Felix thought it would go somewhat easier on him if he... willg shew Jews a pleasure,... by leavg bonds under care a new governor, thus passg fate new governors hs. What Felix failed realize his state unbelief that care had always been h Lord, whom trusted. knew fact PSALMS 3 1:15 My times are thy h: deliver me from h me enemies, from m that persecute me. As for Felix, it seems he escaped wrath Nero because a close friend, who had personal connections with Nero, that put a good word for him Emperor, along with a substantial bribe. 833