[350 words]
In Acts 24 we read of a sermon that was delivered to Felix: “But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you” (Acts 24:24-25).
Although Felix was just looking for a payday (vs 26) this sermon seemed to have an effect on him. It probably bothered him since Felix didn’t have much self-control and wouldn’t seemly fare well in the judgment to come. Felix was there with his third wife Drusilla, a woman he had seduced away from her first husband. These convoluted marriages seem to be all the rage in these ruling circles (Mark 6:17), but the truth Paul preached didn’t jibe with this type lifestyle. So Felix sent him away for a more convenient time. We don’t know if Felix found time to obey the Gospel. We do however know Drusilla didn’t have the time.
In a few years after this, history tells us about Drusilla’s death. She and the son she had by Felix fell victim to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii. As you may know the sudden erupt caught the people unaware many frozen in time by the lava that claimed their lives.
We often think about how Felix putting off the response to Biblical teaching cost him, but it also cost those with him. His wife, one that should have been well acquainted with the God of the Jews, was there when the message was put on hold. It might have been the last chance for her to do something about her eternal fate
Our response, or lack thereof, to the Gospel, doesn’t just affect us. It will shape the destinies of our spouses or children and our grandchildren. Don’t wait to obey; even it is hard, even if it scares us. The best time to respond is now!
Barry Haynes
Hope church of Christ
Hope, AR