College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Acts 24:23-27
c.
Paul's two years imprisonment in Caesarea. Acts 24:23-27.
And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.
But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.
He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
Acts 24:23 He seems to have been in what was termed -military custody-' in which the prisoner was bound by a long, light chain to his arm, the other end of which was fastened to the officer. (Jacobus, page 375)
There was a thriving work for the Lord here in Caesarea, headed up by Philip, the evangelist. And so it was that Philip must have been among those who came to see Paul while he was held here. This could have been a renewing of the friendship that was established when the house of Philip was opened to Paul and his companions on the return of their missionary journey. (Cf. Acts 21:7-8)
Others from Jerusalem also could have visited the apostle. It could have been that during this time he wrote the epistles of Colossians, Ephesians and Philemonsome authorities so believe. I am no authority and can only say that the evidence seems to point to a later date than this for these three books.
910.
What is meant by military custody?
911.
Who would be logical to expect as a visitor while Paul was in prison?
912.
What about the writing of three book from Caesarea?
Acts 24:24 It will be well to tell just now a little case history of the prospects for the gospel that Paul had in Felix and Drusilla.
First, who was this man Felix? What was his background? The story starts with two slave brothers, Paullus and Felix. For some reason not known to your writer, Paullus obtained a fortune. Through this he was able to engineer the placement of Claudius as emperor. Naturally upon the ascension of Claudius to the throne, Paullus prevailed on him on behalf of his brother, Felix. Thus was Felix, the slave, made governor of Judea, with residence in the marble house of Herod in Caesarea. He indulged in all kinds of cruelty and lust, exercising regal power with the disposition of a slave.
Felix was the husband of three queens or royal ladies. His first and last wife were both named Drusilla. The one mentioned in the text was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I(the one that beheaded James and put Peter in prison (Acts 12:1-2). She was the youngest of the three daughters of Herod Agrippa and also the most beautiful. When but a child she was betrothed to Epiphanes, son of Antiochus who refused to undergo the necessary rite to become a Jew. She was then married to Azizus, king of Eunesa (a small kingdom in Syria). From this marriage a son was born whom she named Agrippa.
Felix met Drusilla when he first became governor and fell in love with her. (The wife of Felix at the time was the granddaughter of Anthony and Cleopatra).
With the aid of a magician in the court of Azizus, Felix persuaded this 18 or 19 year old girl to become his wife, for as he said, If you do not refuse me I will make you a happy woman.
She accepted his offer and was prevailed on to transgress the laws of her forefathers and marry this profligate.
Felix plainly was a sensualist and Drusilla a hypocrite of the deepest dye. Before such persons was Paul called to speak. Felix asked Paul to outline the Christian faith. This Paul did but he also fitted the material to the one listening.
Paul spoke of righteousness of which Felix had none. The ancient historian, Tacitus, stated that Felix felt he could commit all crimes with impunity.
913.
Tell in your own words of the rise of Felix from a slave to a governor.
Acts 24:25 The apostle spoke of self-control. Drusilla, while seated beside Felix, was evidence of his lack of it.
The third thought was that of judgment which Felix faced unprepared.
How Paul developed these thoughts we do not know but this manner of development was so real and personal that terror took hold of the heart of the governor and lest he should give in to the truth that was pressing upon him he cried out: Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.
The convenient season was upon him. Although Felix did call for Paul many times, the subject of salvation and the faith never came to light as it did here. No word is given how the message affected Drusilla.
Tradition has it that she and her son perished in Pompeii upon the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. What a tragic death for an unrepentant sinner.
914.
What of a Biblical interest is given here of Drusilla?
915.
To whom was Drusilla married when Felix asked her to marry him?
916.
Show the appropriateness of the message of the Apostle to those who heard.
Acts 24:26 Strange that a wealthy man like the governor of Judea and Samaria should hope to receive a bride from a poor Jewish prisoner. But was Paul so poor? I have of late read some discussion suggesting that at this period Paul had come into some little money.
It cost money to appeal to Caesar as Paul did. It cost money to have two slaves or attendants (Luke and Aristarchus). This is but the reasoning of man, but it is an interesting thought.
However it happened, Felix hoped that some day it would be convenient for him to obtain a bribe from the apostle for his release. But Paul saw to it that it was not so. What were the subjects discussed by the apostle and Felix? I cannot imagine that Paul changed his method or message here, but that he did all he could to obtain the conversion of this notorious sinner.
917.
What was the response of Felix to Paul's message?
918.
Did Felix ever call Paul to speak to him again?
919.
What was the final fate of Drusilla?
920.
What motive was there in asking Paul for money? Did Paul have it?
921.
How is it that Paul was not approached on the subject of a bride?
Acts 24:27 When two years had passed, Felix in his public and political life had gone from bad to worse and was called to Rome to give an account. He was dismissed from his office and Porcius Festus took his place. The last act of Felix as governor was to gain favor with the Jews (who were the ones who were bringing the charges against him at Rome) by leaving Paul in bonds.
922.
How did Felix lose his job?