Decision Day

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 24:22-27

TO CHEW ON: "As Paul discoursed on 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.'” Acts 24:25

The soldiers took Paul to the city of Caesarea to appear before the Roman Governor Felix. Paul was glad to get an opportunity to tell Felix about Jesus, or “the Way” to God.

Governor Felix had heard about the Way. And he enjoyed listening to Paul talk more about it.

"Paul's defense before Felix" - Artist unknown

One day Paul was talking to Felix and Drusilla (Felix’s wife) about Jesus. As he described the kind of life that pleases God and God’s judgment, Felix became afraid. Why do you think he felt that way? (Cross out the one statement that is most likely NOT true).

1. He knew that he needed to decide whether to believe in Jesus for himself.
2. He knew that he had done bad things and was afraid of God’s judgment.
3. He was scared that Paul would beat him up.
4. He was afraid of dying.

"Felix and Drusila" - Johann C. Weigel, 1695

Though it seems God was knocking at Felix’s heart, he never made a decision to trust Jesus that day. And though Paul talked to Felix many times after that, we never read that God knocked at his heart in the same way again.

"Paul before Felix" by William Hogarth, 1752-1762

Have you ever felt Jesus knock at the door of your heart? Don’t ignore Him or think that you’ll answer Him another time. Someday He will come to you for the last time.

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock" - Artist unknown

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to recognize Your voice and to follow when You call. Amen.

MORE: Missionary in Disguise
Paul didn’t let the fact that he was in prison stop him from talking about Jesus. He didn’t think of himself as a prisoner, but a missionary in disguise.

Can you think of five more places people could be missionaries in disguise?
(Example: You could be a missionary on your soccer or baseball team by telling other team members about Jesus.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.