Acts 24:20-27

Luke, the author of Acts, tells us that Governor Felix was familiar with the Way. An interesting side note about his wife, Drusilla, is that she was the great-granddaughter of Herod the Great, the one responsible for ordering the slaughter of all the baby boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity. He was a ruthless man who even had some of his own sons killed, considering them threats to his power. Drusilla was the sister of Herod Agrippa II and Bernice, before whom Paul would later give a defense. Drusilla’s marriage to Governor Felix was her second, as she left her first husband to marry the governor.

It is interesting to see all the intersections Herod’s family line had with the Gospel throughout this pivotal time in history. Much of the family line was exposed to the very Gospel their predecessors had opposed. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall listening to Paul’s conversation with Felix and Drusilla.

However, it appears that Paul’s message touched some uncomfortable areas, particularly as he discussed “righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment.” Considering what we know about Felix and Drusilla, those were certainly thought-provoking subjects! The Holy Spirit is very good at helping us see ourselves in light of the Gospel, which warrants action on our part. We either respond to the Gospel, repent, and turn to God, or we walk away. On this occasion, Felix became frightened by what he heard and chose to end the conversation.

Notice what the governor said: “Go away for now…When it is more convenient, I will call for you again.”

Convenience has nothing to do with it. The Gospel is rarely convenient, yet it is absolutely necessary and requires a response. I am reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:1–2 NLT:

“As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.”

It bears repeating: “Today is the day of salvation.”

Consider also the words found in Hebrews 3:15 NLT:

“Remember what it says: ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.’”

That is a warning we all must take seriously. The Gospel message demands a response. We should never assume that we can put God off until a more convenient time. When God is speaking to our hearts, the time to respond is now. And remember, no response is still a response.