WHAT RATTLED THE GOVERNOR?
ACTS 24:24-25 NKJV
24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 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."
Paul had fended off two court cases before secular rulers. Now, when he had the opportunity to visit one on one with a Roman governor, his words troubled the man.
Felix was a Roman governor stationed in Caesarea. He had been very good to Paul and allowed him some freedom as a prisoner.
Felix was married to a Jewish woman and had some knowledge regarding Jewish laws. He also was familiar with Christianity, that was often called 'the Way.'
So Felix would talk with Paul regarding the faith in Christ. Paul spoke with Felix regarding righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Those are three varied topics to discuss with a ruler.
Righteousness would involve being in right standing with God. This right standing was through faith in Christ, not by keeping the Jewish law.
Self-control is the topic that I find intriguing. Why Paul chose to go in this direction must have been because he was prompted to by the Holy Spirit. Typically, this was reserved for Paul's letters to the churches, to believers. We don't see Paul preaching self-control to lost Gentiles.
The judgment to come was most likely what rattled the governor. The idea that all men will one day have to give an account of themselves to God can be unsettling to one who is away from God, those who have not received Jesus.
So, Felix did what so many still do today. They put off the decision until later. Felix would continue to talk with Paul. But we have no indication that he made a decision regarding Christ.
APPLICATION:
Today if you mention God, people are not typically uncomfortable. But if you mention Jesus, you can bring an awkward moment to social settings.
Why is this? Because Jesus requires a decision. Jesus is the only way to God. He is the only way we will be able to stand before God with confidence. Jesus is the dividing line.
We have some Jewish friends who are wonderful people. They are quite willing to talk about God. Jesus, on the other hand, is an entirely different story. He is still rattling people today, the powerful and the weak.