So many, who hold on to this world, think they have many, many chances left to think about eternity and Jesus.

Surely Felix did. (Acts 24).

Felix had been a slave, set free by the Emperor Claudius and went on to gain political status to govern Judea from A.D. 52 to 60.

The writer Tacitus (a Roman historian) describes Felix as “exercising the powers of a king with the character of a slave.”

He was known as indulging in all kinds of lustful, immoral behaviors.

But Felix also had “a rather accurate knowledge of the Way” (Acts 24:22) and was curious about the Apostle Paul who had landed in his custody.

Felix and his wife, Drusilla (the great-granddaughter of Herod the Great, who had ordered the killing of the Jewish babies in an attempt to kill Jesus) sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Jesus.

Paul talked about righteousness, and self-control, and the coming judgment (Acts 24:25); and Felix was alarmed.

But Felix was also intrigued as he continued to send for Paul often over the two years Paul was imprisoned there under his control.

He sat with one of the world’s greatest, most anointed preachers of all time, the Apostle Paul, for TWO years!

Yet, there is no record in the Bible, or in historical writings, of Felix ever coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

What held Felix back?
Pride? Lust? Control?

Funny how we can be intrigued by Jesus, and understand many things about Christianity, and still cling to the empty, destructive things of this world.

Then verse 27…Festus abruptly replaces Felix.

The days of long conversations with Paul were over and very likely so was Felix’s chance to turn to Christ.

Like Felix, we never know when verse 27 is going to come in our lives either.

So many, who hold on to this world, think they have many, many chances left to think about eternity and Jesus.

Many want to live “their lives” and ignore the fact that one day this life will end.

Like Felix, we don’t know when our last chance to receive the gospel will come.

And Christian, nor do we know when our last chance to tell someone else of it will come either.

We don’t know when that coworker will be laid off, when that neighbor will move, or when death will come for those we love.

We have to stop being so distracted with this temporary world ourselves and be intentional tellers of the faith!

And you know this next week is an easy time to tell, to bring up the discussion about Jesus as we celebrate Easter. It’s certainly one of the easiest times to invite someone to church.

And I know, talking about Christianity isn’t as easy as it used to be. But do it anyways, and though we probably won’t be thrown in prison like Paul, we may suffer in this upside-down, politically-correct world.

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Pet 3:14-15)

May God give us the courage to tell others of Him! May we never assume we, nor they, have infinite chances for these, most important of conversations, to occur.

Prayer—God, help us see the opportunities around us to tell others about You. Help us be prepared to give an answer for the true hope we have because of You. Help us live these short lives so others will want what we have. And God help us tell them with gentleness and respect and give glory to You. Amen

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