G.M. Sunshine Devotionals

At Caesarea, Paul and his accusers were heard before Governor Felix, who decided to make a decision on the case once the Commander (Lysias) comes. Until then, “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.” Acts 24:23 NIV. Days later Felix who appeared to be well familiar with the faith brought his wife to listen to Paul’s sermons, but as “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. At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.” Acts 24:25-27 NIV.

Isn’t it funny how long you can remain in a position with some freedom and privileges, driven on the interest of others who are waiting patiently and eagerly for you to persuade them to act in your favor? Did you notice that while Paul seemed content waiting for his trial to continue, that the heart of Felix to grant an act of favor through persuasion, in turn went to Paul’s accusers?

There is no doubt that Paul thrived while utilizing the gifts within him. But whatever happened to the arrival of Commander Lysias, who seemed to have never come? This situation lends new meaning to freedom, permission, and covering. Though Paul had privilege, he was confined (due to the need for security). Though he was in a place of irresolution (due to lack of judgment), he was also in a place of opportunity. Though he was in a place of accusations, he was also in a place of preservation.

After Paul’s encounter with the Lord and being sent to the gentiles (whom he had once prosecuted), he had heavily pursued his calling in ministry with diligence and steadfastness. He was a dynamic leader, teacher, and exhorter of the Word of God, and he was received by the hearts of many with the backing of the Holy Spirit. But the time inevitably came for him to face his own people. Thus, the same is true for Paul as it was for Jesus. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:11-13 KJV.

Are you a believer living under the illusion that the abundant life God has for you is one exempt from trouble?

Paul utilized every opportunity he had to share the gospel of Christ, even to the Governor and his wife (who Paul ministered to for 2 years) without wavering. His passion for the gospel and obedience to the direction of God, caused him to look past what may have seemed good for him (bribing Felix), and he persevered. This persevering indeed preserved his very life. “Looking at it one way, you could say, “Anything goes. Because of God’s immense generosity and grace, we don’t have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster.” But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 MSG.

When Porcius Festus took over Felix’s position, Paul was still the prime topic of discussion. Festus actually traveled from Caesarea back to Jerusalem to hear from the leaders and their charges against Paul. Again the people plotted to kill Paul by requesting a favor for Paul to be transferred back to Jerusalem so that they can ambush him along the way. But Festus, denied their request and instead requested that the leaders go with him to Caesarea, where Paul is being held to press charges against him there. Still, after the charges were brought in court and each side gave their response, Festus wanted to grant the Jewish leaders a favor, so he asked Paul if he’d be willing to go back to Jerusalem to stand trial there before him. But, Paul not only declined but also appealed to Caesar, and Festus agreed to send him to Caesar for his trial.

Do you believe that the words you say either brings you into alignment with God’s direction or can take you out of his protection? Faced with the possibility of freedom or perceived additional trials, would you bribe or appeal?

God’s intent was for Paul to get to Rome, where he would testify (“the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11 NIV). Many times we would find that the direction of the Lord comes with a process that will take us through steps, and levels, and seasons, before we can actually live out or accomplish his will for us. But along the way, the journey is not to be conveyed as anything less than the meat of the matter. For it is through our testimonies that the testimony of God permeates through the hearts of man, preparing the way for the Holy Spirit to lead and to guide each individual according to the will of God.

to be continued in Part III…

G.M.