JUNE 8 READING…ACTS 24
Today’s reading is concerning the religious group coming from Jerusalem to make their case against Paul before the Roman governor, Felix. The hypocrisy of these leaders is in full bloom. They hated the Romans, and would have had nothing to do with Felix, except like Pilate, they wanted him to do their dirty work. They come “puffing up” Felix. Then they accused Paul of things which actually would have been of little concern to the Romans, except for the possibility that it would cause riots and a loss of the peace. One thing that every Roman governor was concerned with was the peace. Rome would not allow for there to be riots and disruptions, and would quickly remove a governor who had lost control of their region of responsibility. Paul defends himself by telling Felix that these men had “embellished” the truth, but stated that their real issue was Paul’s teaching of the Gospel, and particularly the resurrection. Felix was not ready to rule, and really hoped that Paul would just “pay him off”, but when Paul did not, Felix kept him imprisoned for two years until Felix’s replacement, Festus, came. We need to know that there will always be opposition to our faith…Jesus said it would be this way. The surprising thing to many believers is that the most vicious opposition comes from those who claim to be followers of God, but are not.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READING…ACTS 25