Slices
Prepare
Today’s passage underscores that Paul’s journey – like ours – is a marathon, not a sprint. Whichever metaphor applies to us, ask God to grant tenacity and focus.
Bible passage
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. ‘When Lysias the commander comes,’ he said, ‘I will decide your case.’ 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
24 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. 25 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.’ 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favour to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Explore
These six verses span more than two years with frustratingly little progress and God’s promise that Paul will, one day, testify in Rome looking less and less likely to come to fruition. The high‑stakes courtroom scenes have become a drama dropped mid-run by the network.
Paul is neither convicted nor released. Governor Felix commits to determine Paul’s case, but doesn’t. On the flip side, Paul is safe from the enraged Jewish movers and shakers from Jerusalem, and although he is detained unjustly he is given ‘some freedom’ with access to ‘friends to take care of his needs’ (v 23).
How would you spend two years under house arrest? It’s a lot of box sets or sudoku. Would sharing our faith be top of the list? Would our discourse be so compelling that we were regularly brought into the presence of the rich and famous, allowed to speak freely not just about the gospel but with conviction on deeply personal issues such as self-control?
How do we stand firm in our faith when God seems distant and opportunities to serve seem to all but dry up?
Respond
Pray that God will provide occasions to witness, even when and where we might least expect it. Are we ready?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 18–20; Ephesians 3
Pray for Scripture Union
Today, take some time to pray for Christian children and young people in schools. Ask that God will give them the courage to share their faith with their peers, and that he will bless them as they do so.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
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