Testimony & Conviction (11/7/23)
Acts 24
Freya
11/8/2023
Life Lesson(s)…
Acts 24 reveals the truth set forth from Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Acts 24 opens with the religious leaders of Jerusalem coming before procurator Felix to falsely accuse Paul of inciting riots.
Paul defended himself and testified to all that happened to him stating that no riots occurred during his time at the temple until the Jews of Asia came and stirred up the crowds. He demanded that either the Jews of Asia would come forth or that his current accusers would directly set forth the appropriate charges for his arrest.
The decision that Felix made was to have Paul remain under arrest until Lysias' arrival, with some privileges whereby other Christ believers could care for Paul. The procurator and his wife met with Paul daily, where Paul would speak of Jesus, "righteousness, self-control and coming judgment." Through Paul, the Holy Spirit worked on Felix and convicted him of the wrongs he had done as evidenced by his alarm and dismissal of Paul. Yet, despite such conviction, Felix refused to release Paul for two years. Paul remained imprisoned and became the issue for the new procurator, Porcius Festus.
Your Thoughts…
It's time to study, pray, discuss and/or journal your thoughts to the following:
In your times of difficulty, has Romans 8:28 ever helped you through that time? How did God work it out for you?
Consider your fellow man, do you believe that someone's testimony can bring an unbeliever to feel convicted? How about a believer? Can you think of any other Biblical persons who have been convicted of sins through someone's testimony?
Consider the procurator Felix, in Acts 24, do you think that the conviction that the Holy Spirit placed on him was enough to change him? Why or why not?
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After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”
ACTS 24:24-25 (ESV)