The Judgment to Come

Acts 24:1-27

Key Verse 24:25

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."

Read verses 1-9. Compare this passage with Acts 9:15-16. What does this comparison indicate about the hardship facing the Apostle Paul? What can we learn about the difficulties coming the way of a believer?

** The trial he faced served as the opportunity to share the gospel and save one of the lost, that is, Felix. 

** For all who believe in the Lord, difficulties such as the charges brought against Paul represent the good times to advance God’s kingdom, saving souls. Ecc 7:14a

Read verses 10-21 and think about the hope Paul shared with his audience, that is, “There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” How did this hope affect Paul’s life? (16,21)

** He stove always to keep his conscience clear before God and man. He also withstood trials bravely.

Read verses 22-27. How close did Felix come to being saved? Yet, what kept him from being saved?

** He had the golden opportunity to strike friendship with Paul and be saved. He was well acquainted with the Way. He also had a Jewess as his wife who could help him better understand the Scriptures. For two whole years he had Paul made available to give him Bible studies on the way of salvation. 

** Most likely he was afraid of his sins/wickedness being exposed. He had the problem of procrastination, procrastinating to repent. He had the love of money which held him tight. He still had the hope on things of this world. 

Read verse 25 again and think about Paul’s discourse on “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come”. How are they related? 

** Righteousness - this goes to the way of salvation, that is, the righteousness from God, that is, through faith in Jesus Christ one can have all of his sins wiped out, receive the Holy Spirit, and thereby live a life that is righteous in God’s eyes. 

Self-control – this is one of the fruits the Holy Spirit enables a believer to bear. This quality enables a believer to work for God’s kingdom freely. 

Judgment to come – this is the time when the Risen Jesus rewards his servant saying, “Well done, my good servant”. 

The end

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