July 20-July 26

NOW IS THE TIME!
Avis Burrow
St. Louis, Missouri

This passage gives two vastly different examples of how we can choose to speak to a person holding greater worldly authority and earthly stature than ourselves. The passage begins with Tertullus presenting his case against Paul to Felix (Governor of the Samarian region). Tertullus was chosen by Ananias (the high priest) and the other Jewish leaders because he was known as a skilled orator, a gifted speaker. These days, Tertullus would be hailed as a hot-shot attorney with a silver tongue.

Tertullus begins his case against Paul by using a tried and true method to get Felix’ attention…he flatters him. Acts 24:2-4: When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: "We have4 enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

But Felix was not worthy to be called excellent. Tacitus, a Roman historian, described Felix as “a master of cruelty and lust who exercised the powers of a king with the spirit of a slave.” And, the Jews had not actually enjoyed a long period of peace under Felix. In reality, Felix had put down many Jewish insurrections with such brutality and force that the Jewish citizens lived in fear of him.

Romans 16:18 warns us against using undeserved flattery: “For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Jude 1:16 gives a disdainful description of flatterers: “These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.”

Tertullus states his case against Paul in Acts 24:5-6. Basically Paul was accused of being politically dangerous and desecrating the temple. It’s interesting to note that Tertullus failed to give any evidence or proof of his charge against Paul. As with so many flatterers and speakers known for their oratory, there was much style, but no substance.

In his defense, Paul uses a very different tact with Felix. Paul chooses to use the truth—calmly and without fear--to expose the weakness of Tertullus’ case: 10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

Paul then goes on to witness to Felix about his beliefs: 14However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Paul was bold in his testimony because God was on his side. Likewise, as Christians we should never be timid or too shy to proclaim, “I worship the God of our fathers…”

In his decision, Felix tries to walk a middle ground by not rendering a decision, keeping Paul in custody, but allowing him great freedom: 22Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." 23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.

Later in this reading, after Paul tells Felix and his wife, Drusilla more about his faith in Christ, Felix avoids making another even more momentous decision: 25As Paul discoursed on 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."

Time and time again, Paul shows us that now is the moment. Now is the moment to tell the truth. Now is the moment to boldly testify to those we encounter about the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Now is the moment to do what we can to influence the world around us. And, now is the moment to accept the gift of salvation, because tomorrow may be too late.

[Avis Burrow has served as a faithful Christian since childhood. She and her husband Dennis Burrow (dec.) were founding members of the Southwest Church of Christ in Omaha, Nebraska where he served as an elder for many years. She and Dennis later retired to Greenville, South Carolina and worshipped at the Northeast Church of Christ. Avis currently lives with her daughter and son-in-law in St. Louis, Missouri and is a member of the McKnight Road Church of Christ.]